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Louis W."Lou" Gonzalez, 79, a resident of Albuquerque, died on Sunday, September 24, 2000. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Catalina Gonzalez of Albuquerque; sons, Louis Gonzalez, Jr. of Los Angeles, CA, Mario Gonzalez and wife Sylvia of Albuquerque and Juan Gonzalez of Los Angeles; grandchildren, Sarah and Amanda; sister, Josephine Combs of Lake Elizabeth, CA, sister-in-law, Michelle Maytorena of Albuquerque and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Louis was born May 4th 1921 in Chihuahua, Mexico, and in 1923, moved to Los Angeles, California. Lou attended Elementary and High Schools in California and studied Law at U.S.C. He was inducted into the Army in 1942, and in February 1943, while in the service, he became an American citizen. Lou served overseas in the Pacific arena and in 1946, holding the rank of Sergeant, he was honorably discharged from the US Army. After a successful career in insurance and sales, he joined the United States Veterans Administration. He worked for Uncle Sam in Los Angeles, Puerto Rico, and from there was transferred to New Mexico. He served as veterans benefits specialist and rose to Chief of the Veterans Service Division and retired in May of 1985. After this, Lou volunteered at the V.A. hospital as a part-time employee with the V.F.W., then coming out of retirement, became a full-time employee from 1995- 1997. Becoming a Mason in 1977, he served as Worshipful Master of Temple Lodge #6, past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of NM, most illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters of N.M., Grand King of the Royal Arch Masons of NM, Past Sovereign of the Red Cross of Constantine, past Master, Lodge of Research, Grand Governor of Sovereign College of North America, Scottish Rites, Shriners. In the Scottish Rite, he was coroneted with the 33rd degree. Louis was instrumental in securing funding to those in need of medical services from the Eye Foundation. The focus of his life after retirement was in community service with the following organizations: President of American Red Cross, Olsten Health Services, La Zarzuela de Alburquerque; Vice-President of the Lions Club; Board Member of Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence, Private Industry Council, March of Dimes; and member of AMVETS Post #7, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2951, and American Legion Post #99. A Memorial Mass was held on Friday, 10:00 a.m., at Church of the Risen Savior. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2000, 4:00 p.m., at York Rite Masonic Temple, 3400 Aztec Road NE. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 3765, Albuquerque, NM 87190.
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