Robert Garcia Gonzales

Robert Garcia Gonzales, 87, of Arco, Idaho passed from this earth into our Savior’s hands, on Sunday, August 4th, 2024. Robert, known to some as Trine, was born in Menard, Texas on May 23,1937 to Nasario Celso Gonzales and Margarita Garcia. Robert was the youngest child of six boys. He grew up with Emiliano, James, Rigoberto, Ruben, Nolberto and his cousin Mayo. Robert grew up and attended school in Menard. He was a very active and ambitious boy who could often be found running through pastures with bare feet. 

Beginning at an early age, Robert worked alongside his father and his brothers following the crops. This work would usually take them outside Menard. Together they harvested potatoes and onions, while also shearing sheep. Robert was a very competitive worker and would engage in races out in the fields for who could bag the most potatoes in the shortest time. 

On November 16, 1956 Robert married Delilah Renee Burch in Menard Texas. Together they made their way back to Arco, Idaho where they would raise their family. Robert and Renee were blessed with 4 children. The oldest Rob, followed by Perry, Brenda and John. Robert is preceded in death by Perry B. Gonzales. Robert is survived by his wife Delilah Renee, his children Robby, Gail (Perrys wife), Brenda and Bret, John and Robin and his grandchildren Tabitha and Vicente, Maleah, Tiffany and Taylor, Chelsie, Sierria and Jimmy, PJ and Stephanie, Cassandra and Kaleb, Melissa and Taylor, Shania and Lawson, 28 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

Robert started farming with his father in-law, John Burch in Moore, Idaho. He later became a   janitor for the Butte County School District and also served as a bus driver for school events. He was also a representative of the Arco school board. In 1972 he was recruited by the INL and worked  in many capacities. Robert, Renee, and their son Robby would carpool to the site for work each morning. Robert was a hard worker and believed it was important to be punctual. If you weren’t ready at a set time you would run the risk of being left behind, the kids can attest to this. Robert worked at the INL for 23 years. 

In 1995 Robert retired. It was at this time that Robert and Renee decided to return to Menard, TX. They had a dream to rebuild the home that Robert was born and raised in. It was their goal to restore this abandoned home and make it a gathering place for the generations to come. Robert and Renee wanted their family to always have a connection to their roots. This project was not an easy feat and took nearly 5 years to complete. Today this home still stands and will forever hold many special memories.

Also during this time, Robert and Renee could be found on the weekends and holidays dancing at the Club Victoria. You could always tell that it was time to hit the dance floor when the shoulders started moving and the head started to nod. Robert and Renee would spend the night dancing “abrazados” to their favorite polkas. 

It soon became a yearly excursion where Robert and Renee would make their way from Texas and head back to Idaho. Their white GMC Acadia, licensed RGRG, drove many miles back and forth. Robert loved being in Menard and was always ready to share locations and memories of his childhood. Each morning he would get up for a warm cup of coffee, shower, make his way to the gas station, pick up the mail, and then make it back to the house for a warm breakfast.

Some of his hobbies included playing dominoes, reading the newspaper, and watching football. Robert loved to play dominoes and would quickly engage in a competition with anyone. Robert was a phenomenal strategist. He had a way of knowing what dominoes you had in your hand and which dominoes others would play. Robert also enjoyed reading the daily newspaper. He would sit in his chair and read up on all the current events and then make sure to put the paper all back in order for Renee to look through. Finally Robert was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan. It was not uncommon to find him cheering on his team wearing his Green Bay Packer slippers.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Moore Community Center, 3353 W. 3155 N. Moore, ID. A rosary service will be held on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. with a viewing to follow at the Anderson Family Funeral Home, 2555 N. Highway 93, Arco, ID until 9:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the community center. Interment will be in the Lost River Cemetery.