Franz B. Gonzalez

Franz. B. Gonzalez, age 59 of Elkhart, entered into the joy of Heaven (due to natural causes) where he met his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, January 21, 2022 .  Franz was born March 30, 1962 in Maracaibo, Venezuela to the late Luis Angel and Maria Gabriela (Contreras) Gonzalez.  On December 26, 1987, he married the one and only love of his life, Yudlia Romero in Tia Juana, Venezuela. They recently celebrated 34 years of marriage. While living in Venezuela, Franz was employed as an electrician for PDVSA (Petroleos de Venezuela), and he dedicated his life to Christ in the Antorcha De Cristo Church where he served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher. He was a evangelist by heart for his entire adult life, leading others to know and accept Christ. His unwavering faith in God led him to cofound and co-pastor the Justicia y Verdad Church in Tia Juana, Venezuela, and in 2016 to co-found and Pastor the Vida and Esperanza Church in Goshen IN (USA). In 2007, Franz and Yudlia immigrated to the United States to better their lives and those of their children.

Surviving is his wife, Yudlia Romero De Gonzalez and his children Yuliana Gonzalez and Franz D. Gonzalez and his wife Brenda, all of Elkhart.  Franz is survived as well by his granddaughter whom he loved immensely, Marcela Ugas and his siblings, Raul Gonzalez, Lourdes Gonzalez, Luis Gonzalez, Luz Montiel Gonzalez, Carlos Gonzalez, and Kalet Gonzalez.  He was preceded in death by his siblings Haide, Edilia, and Marta Gonzalez.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 pm Thursday, January 27, 2022, at River Oaks Community Church, 58020 Co Rd 115, Goshen, IN 46528.  Immediately following visitation Thursday evening, Pastor Luis Galviz will officiate the 6:00pm funeral service and the family will conclude services.  A committal ceremony and burial will take place at 9:30 am Friday, January 28, 2022, in Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart, where Franz will be laid to rest.  For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the service will begin at 5:50 pm by following the link provided here: www.youtube.com/c/RiverOaksCommunityChurch

Franz was employed with Flexco Products of Elkhart.  During his time in ministry at Vida y Esperanza, he also led a local radio program encouraging others to follow the teachings of Christ.  In the last few months of his life, he was happily attending River Oaks Community Church of Goshen (Español Campus) where he participated as a Grupo de Vida and men’s prayer Bible teacher.

When Franz wasn’t working hard to provide for his family, he enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking the “World’s Best” Chinese Rice and Empanadas and gathering around the family table to eat a well-cooked meal.  Family reunions were his favorite events throughout the year and he loved to study history and learn about different cultures outside of Venezuela and the US.  Franz also was passionate about airplanes and enjoyed collecting miniature models of the planes flown from WWII up to the present day.  He could often be found listening to his favorite band, Genesis, who he had the privilege of seeing live twice during their tours.

Almost as much as his love for the Lord, Franz loved his family without measure.  He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and brother in Christ to his church family, and was always made time to be attentive and listen to the needs of others and help them whenever possible.

In his memory, donations may be made to River Oaks Community Church in Goshen.  To leave a message of comfort for the Gonzalez family, light a virtual candle in Franz’ honor, or share a story of his life, please follow the links provided on our website.

Los entendidos resplandecerán como el resplandor del firmamento; y los que enseñan la justicia a la multitud, como las estrellas a perpetua eternidad.

Daniel 12:3

Reina-Valera 1960