Nelson Gonzalez

GONZALEZ, Nelson Blake - age 81, of Fenton and Flint, Michigan and Brazil, passed away February 7, 2018 after a life filled with love, service and adventure. His story embodies the American Dream. He immigrated to the United States as a young man to study engineering and built a life filled with family, faith, and career success. Nelson was born on May 26, 1936 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the only child of Manuel and Elaina Gonzalez. He grew up in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo where he began his study of engineering at McKenzie Institute of São Paulo. After two years, he was accepted to General Motors Institute and came to Flint in 1958. At GMI, he completed his engineering studies and met his soulmate, Janice Kollar, daughter of Ford and Belva Kollar, sister of Carole Bearer (Charlie). After a year-long courtship, they married in São Paulo where they lived briefly before returning to Michigan in 1960. Upon returning to Flint, Nelson started his automotive career that lasted over forty years. Nelson helped begin and raise funds for an orphanage back in Brazil that helped many children. He served on the Whaley Board in Flint for several years and was also a fourth degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, Fenton. Throughout it all, he continued to love his family, especially his grandchildren who thought the world of him and brought out his silly side. After retiring, he enjoyed traveling with Janice, reading, fly-fishing and lake life. Nelson also became a skilled wood carver who created several pieces that will be cherished by family for years to come. Nelson will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor and "bear" hugs. He had a full heart and a great presence. His family admired the strength and grit that he displayed throughout his life. Nelson was a true fighter and role model during even the most adverse situations. Nelson is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife, Janice, his children Denise (Charlene Reardon), Karen Sherer (Jonathon), Michael (Jennifer) and Kristen McNally (Michael), and his grandchildren, Lauren and Maddie Sherer, Michael and Sydney Gonzalez, Jaxen, Brayden, and Bella, Kelsey and Reagan McNally, Jack and Kate Gonzalez. For those who wish to celebrate Nelson's life, please join the family with a visitation on Monday, February 12, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N. Adelaide St., Fenton from 1-2 with a funeral mass following at 2:00. Arrangement by Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 W. Silver Lake Rd., Fenton. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

Visitation

Monday, February 12, 2018 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
600 North Adelaide Street Fenton 48430, United States