Wilfredo “Freddie” Gonzalez, age 78 of Lake Station, passed away unexpectedly on September 16, 2026. He was born on May 20, 1948, in Moca, Puerto Rico, to the late Francisco Gonzalez and Virginia Sanchez.

Wilfredo, affectionately known as “Freddie,” was a simple man who found his greatest joy in his family. On December 14, 1974, he married the love of his life, Rebecca Gonzalez, in Gary, Indiana. Together, they welcomed three daughters and built a life centered around love, faith, and family. Freddie dedicated his life to taking care of those he loved and will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, and “Nene” to his grandchildren.

A hardworking and dependable man, Freddie retired from U.S. Steel, where he worked as a Millwright at the Midwest Division. He was well respected by those he worked with and took great pride in providing for his family.

Freddie was a faithful member of Lake Station Baptist Church. His faith was an important part of his life, and he enjoyed sharing the Gospel of Jesus with others. He generously volunteered many hours at his church and found great joy in serving others. His quiet strength, kind heart, strong faith, and unwavering devotion to his family will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Rebecca Gonzalez; daughters, Rachel (Johnny) Weldon, Esther (Michael) Alumbaugh, and Lily Ann Gonzalez; grandchildren, Jasmine Weldon, Rosalynn Weldon, and Benjamin Alumbaugh; brothers, George (Yolanda) Gonzales, Carlos (Margarita) Gonzalez, Joel Gonzalez, Samuel (Dinorah) Gonzalez, and Daniel Gonzalez; sisters, Elizabeth (Nelson) Serrano, and Rebecca Gonzalez; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving family members.

Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, Francisco Gonzalez and Virginia Sanchez; sister, Rosie; brothers, Raymond, Ruben, Francisco, Hector, Cisco, Ralph, and Jacob; and brother-in-law, Adolpho Gonzalez.

Visitation for Freddie will be held Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart, with a service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Additional visitation will take place Wednesday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.