Ruben Gonzalez

Ruben Gonzalez of Dearborn, Michigan passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at the age of 86. Beloved husband of the late Marlene Gonzalez nee Wasiel. Cherished father of Tony (Lisa Yuan) Gonzalez, Bryan (Chastity Upton) Gonzalez, Amy Gonzalez- Spencer and to his honorary son Robert Young. Dear grandfather of Olivia (Tom) Sutton, Lili (Kevin Duby) Gonzalez, Sam Gonzalez, Adie Ramirez, Joshua Spencer (Lindsey Stotts), (Emily Spencer), Brijit Spencer, Benjamin Forrest Spencer, and Jake Spencer. Dearest great- grandfather of Christopher Ruben, Izabelle, Layne, Jameson, and Dahlia. Adored baby brother of Ziggy (Ellen) Gonzalez, Roy (Barbie) Gonzalez, John (Edna) Gonzalez, and Olga (the late Tim) Kramer. Lifelong friend of Larry Pek, Bryan Benda, and the late Jack Hilton and numerous friends. Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Ruben was preceded in death by his parents Basilio and Maria Soledad (nee Acevez) Gonzalez, his siblings Mary (the late Phil) Philpo, Frank (the late Margaret), Al Gonzalez, and Ethel Grace (the late Al) Manser, his siblings-in-law Mabel Gonzalez, Peggy MacNeil, Joann (the late Melvin) Cowan, and William (the late Theresa) Wasiel. He is survived by many friends of Western High, Clark Park, and Messiah Church.

Ruben had an affinity for fishing, classic cars, military planes, and collecting antiques and books. He could often be found with his family and at neighborhood gatherings. He enjoyed watching sporting events, mostly the Detroit Red Wings, and he played hockey, baseball, football, soccer, and volleyball. Ruben loved attending Western High reunions and reveled in good food, tea, and conversations. He was a member of Messiah Church in Southwest Detroit and was a Clark Park volunteer and patron since childhood. Ruben will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation for Ruben will take place on Friday, February 14, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Allen Park Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes located at 10915 Allen Road, 48101. There will be military honors being performed by the Downriver Veterans Honor Guard at 6:00 p.m. that evening at the funeral home. The funeral service will take place the following day, Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Messiah Church located at 3816 Toledo St., Detroit, MI 48216. In State will be held at 12:00 p.m., followed by the service at 1:00 p.m. A procession to Woodmere Cemetery for committal prayers will immediately follow, concluding with interment next to his beloved late wife Marlene.

Please visit Ruben’s online guestbook and tribute wall to leave condolences and share memories for his family.