Dakota Hunter Gonzales

Dakota Hunter Gonzales “Chancho,” 18 of Tecumseh, passed away Thursday, July 3, 2014, unexpectedly due to an automobile accident. Dakota was born on October 4, 1995 in Ann Arbor, Mich., the son of Vincent Gonzales Jr. and Michelle Elizabeth (Georges) Gonzales. Dakota lived a life in accordance to the teachings of Christ. He loved helping others and was a proud donor to Gift of Life. He spent much time volunteering and working within his community and church youth group. He enjoyed sports, and played soccer and ran track in high school for four years. Dakota was also a member of his high school chess team. Dakota loved animals, especially his huskies and volunteered with Closer to Home Animal Advocates. Dakota attended Cornerstone University where he studied exercise science to become a physical therapist, and was asked to become an honor student. Dakota was also active in his Terra Firma group, played soccer for the university, and was active in community outreach. Dakota also worked for the University of Michigan North Campus, performing general maintenance in the dorms. Dakota was an avid reader and his other hobbies included playing video games, working out, and spending time with his family and friends.Dakota is survived by his mother and father, Vincent and Michelle Gonzales of Tecumseh; brother Nicholas Gonzales of Tecumseh and sister Alicia Luque Ferreras of Malaga, Spain, paternal grandparents Jerry (Eva) Gonzales of Tecumseh, and maternal grandfather Steve Georges of (Macedonia) Tecumseh. Dakota is preceded in death by his grandmother Nancy Georges.A memorial gathering to celebrate Dakota’s life will be held Friday, July 11, from 6-8 p.m. at the Tecumseh Church of Christ. A service to celebrate Dakota’s life will begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, at the Tecumseh Church of Christ with a meal to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dakota’s honor to the Closer to Home Animal Advocates, or to the family, which will be used for a future memorial scholarship in Dakota’s honor. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.