Saul Gonzalez Obituary
It is with deep and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Saul Gonzalez who tragically lost his life in Iraq, while proudly serving his country on June 17th, 2025, at the young age of 26.
Saul was born on 12-30-1998 to Pauline Zurwalski-Peña and Ruben Gonzalez in Holland, MI. After Saul graduated from Bloomingdale High School in 2017, he went on to enlist in the United States Army in February 2018. He proudly served for over 7 years.
While serving in the Army, Saul easily moved up the ranks by impressing his peers and gaining the respect of his superiors. Saul was recognized for his hard work and dedication being promoted to Staff Sargeant while being deployed. Not only did Saul moved through the ranks but also in his field starting off as an Apache mechanic and ending as a technical inspector. Saul served with honor and bravery driven by a deep commitment to the future life of his family. His courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Although we are proud of Saul's service, he was so much more than the uniform he wore every day! From an early age, everything Saul did was with pride and purpose. Whether it was to gain a laugh or lend a helping hand, he had a plan. Saul was known for his big smile, ruthless sarcasm, contagious laughter, and charming good looks! He was truly one of the funniest people you could meet. When you didn't find Saul hanging from a "bird", in the gym, or under the hood of his beloved truck, in his spare time he was an avid gamer who loved connecting with friends online. He was also an expert marksman, who loved his guns and worked hard to perfect his skill. Whether behind a controller or on the range, Saul approached his hobbies with the same passion and dedication that he brought to every part of his life.
Family meant everything to Saul! He was a devoted father who dreamed of giving his children a life full of opportunities, love, and security. Every sacrifice he made, every decision he took, was guided by fierce commitment to his family's future.
Saul and Brandy's story began in 2013, but their bond went back even further growing up as childhood friends. Over the years that friendship blossomed into love. Together they built a family and went on to have three beautiful children: Saul Jr (11), Daniel (8), and Viviana (6).
Saul is survived by his mother Pauline Zurwalski-Peña, father Ruben Gonzalez, stepmother Amanda Gonzalez, stepfather Jorge Luis Peña, brother Ruben Gonzalez Jr, and sisters Maria Sustaita, Yolanda Marquez-Gonzalez, Amalia Gonzalez, and Ruby Gonzalez.
Saul was pre-deceased by his great grandmother Annette Zurwalski, uncle Adolfo Gonzalez, and cousin Erick Gonzalez.
Though he leaves behind a silence no words can fill, his legacy endures in every life he touched, every freedom he helped protect, and every heart that carries his memory forward. A hero not just in uniform but in every role he held. Thou his time with us was far too short, Saul's memory will live on every person who was lucky enough to meet him. Gone, but not forgotten!
The services to honor and celebrate Saul's life will be as follows:
Visitations- Thursday, July 10th from 5-7 p.m. & Friday, July 11th from 2-4 p.m. with a rosary service from 4-5 p.m. at Chappel Funeral Home in Fennville, MI.
Funeral- Saturday, July 12th from 11-12 with the procession to graveside at Lee Township cemetery starting around 12:30.
Published by Allegan County News & Union Enterprise from Jul. 9 to Jul. 10, 2025.