Elmwood Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Visitation Information

Christopher D. Gonzalez, "Chris"

Passed away on April 7, 2026


Christopher D. Gonzalez, “Chris”, age 53, late of Calumet City, passed away April 7, 2026.  Beloved life partner of Jodie Zimmermann.  Loving father of Morgan, Allison, Peyton and Mary, who he shared with their mother Cissy Bendinelli.  Devoted son of Angeline (nee Raya) and the late Gilbert “Judge” Gonzalez Sr.  Dear brother of Lillian Rodriguez, Shirley (Javier) Salazar and Gilbert (Kimberly) Gonzalez Jr.  Fond uncle and nephew of many. 

Christopher was a current Thornton Township Trustee, having been first elected in 2021.  Prior to that he was the Thornton Township Assessor. He was also a former South Suburban College and Calumet City Police Officer.  Chris was a  friend and supporter of many initiatives and took pride in serving his community.

Visitation Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 1-8pm.  Funeral services Monday, April 13, 2026  9am prayers from Elmwood Chapel, 11200 S. Ewing Ave., Chicago to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.  Mass 10am.  Cemetery private. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated. A Trust Fund will be established to further the education of his children.

Funeral

Prayers at Elmwood Funeral Chapel
Monday, April 13, 2026 - 9:00 am

Funeral Mass:
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
3200 East 91st Street
Chicago, Illinois 60617
Monday, April 13, 2026 - 10:00 am

Interment:
Cemetery Private

Memorial Contributions:

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciatied. A Trust Fund will be established  to furher the education of his children.

Visitation Location

East Side
11200 S. Ewing Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 731-2749

Map


Visitation Information

Sunday, April 12, 2026 - 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm

Condolences
"We thank you for sharing your life and time with us! You lived with integrity and it will not be forgotten. I send my condolences to his loving family."
- Christina Scott
April 8, 2026 5:55 pm

"Sending sincere condolences to the family and friends of Christopher Gonzalez. "
- Pamela V Airhart
April 8, 2026 6:25 pm

"My deepest Condolences to Mr Christopher Gonzalez's family and love ones. Many blessings and may God continue to be with you all. In Jesus name Amen πŸ™ "
- Linda Meredith
April 8, 2026 6:32 pm

"My Prayers & Condolences to the family of Chris. May God give you Strength, Comfort and Healing today and always. God Bless this family. πŸ™πŸΎβ€οΈπŸ˜‡βš˜οΈ"
- Karen Oliver
April 8, 2026 7:42 pm

"My prayers and condolences to the family. I worked with Chris for 4 years and he was always this kind individual who cared for others. He was a proud father, who always spoke highly of his kids. Rest in Peace Chris"
- Loretta Wells
April 8, 2026 9:26 pm

"Our condolences to family, friends and loved ones. Rest in peace, your work here is done. "
- Robert & Bettina Collins
April 8, 2026 10:48 pm

"Sending my deepest condolences to Christopher Gonzalez's children and to his entire family and all his friends! I ask God to keep all of you in his loving arms during this difficult time. May God give you strength. Amen!"
- Shellice Miles
April 9, 2026 9:46 am

"The thoughts and prayers of the Mount Carmel High School community are with your family during these days. May the saints of Carmel welcome Chris into God's eternal embrace and may Our Lady of Mount Carmel wrap you in the mantle of her love and care. - Mount Carmel High School "
- Craig Ferguson
April 9, 2026 10:49 am

"My deepest condolences and prayers to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Chris for 5 years. Chris was always a kind man; he will be missed. Rest in Paradise Trustee Gonzalez."
- Marilyn Jenkins - Thornton Township
April 9, 2026 10:58 am

"Mr. Gonzalez, you were a true leader; rest in peace, job well done. My sincere condolences to the family. P. Harris"
- Pat Harris
April 10, 2026 9:20 am

"We are all praying πŸ™ for the family. Rest in peace,Chris. Attorneys MilitaryMediators ConsultantsTeam,Families. "
- Attorneys Military Mediators Consultants Swartz-Lee-Andersn-
April 10, 2026 12:22 pm

"Sending my most sincere condolences to Chris's children and family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
- Kiea Sawe
April 10, 2026 5:18 pm

"Trustee Gonzalez you was amazing at your job with Thornton Township I'm glad I had a opportunity to meet you personally job well done now you have a new job in heaven RIP Trustee Christopher Gonzalez you will be missed condolences to family and your work family plus your community you served πŸ•ŠοΈπŸ™πŸ•ŠοΈπŸ™Œ"
- Phyllis Pepper
April 10, 2026 7:51 pm

"Rest in eternal paradise my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Will miss you always. "
- Dr. Nakita Cloud
April 11, 2026 8:14 am

"I remember I was talking to him about movies and I was talking to him and he was talking to my mom at the Christmas party days later when I saw him again at the other event for the men and I was telling him about the movies again and then after that I saw him at bingo and I was talking to him saying hi good afternoon and bye have a good night and all of the sudden when this pop up I was like wow he’s now gone so I am upset my favorite person is gone he was the best one out there in thorton township I was there talking to him about sports movies games everything and now I going to miss him thank you best friend for teaching me the steps the lack of knowledge of who u are and what u are me and my AFC 38.23 south Indiana will remember u and glideness to see u go to the lord my pastor bishop Horace e smith and the others kno thorton township will keep his family in prayer rip to him he was my favorite friend sorry for ya lost thorton township if there’s anything if the family want let me kno I could talk to them I kno one of them by heart your true friend and only friend Oshaybates rosalina twitch.tv Chicagomotorcycleshow26 bro Oshaybates from apostolic faith church located on 38.23 south Indiana Chicago IL "
- Oshay bates Rosalina
April 13, 2026 7:38 am

"I wanna say thank you for ur support and friendship I had with u thank you so much"
- Oshay bates
April 13, 2026 8:57 am

"I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends during this time of loss. Trustee Chris Gonzalez was a man of great character, compassion and dedication, his life was a blessing to so many. I pray that you find comfort in the love he shared, the lives he touched and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. May God grant you peace, strength, and comfort in the days ahead. Chris will be missed at Thornton Township during the meeting and events. Rest in Peace Chris."
- Joanie Conley
April 13, 2026 2:20 pm

"Mr. Gonzalez, you were a true leader; rest in peace, job well done. My sincere condolences to the family. P. Harris"
- Pat Harris
April 13, 2026 2:43 pm

"Our deepest condolences to Chris's loved ones. We had the pleasure of working with Chris over the past 6 years. He was such a kindhearted and caring individual. He will be missed. May he rest in peace."
- Girls Inc of Chicago
April 14, 2026 6:23 pm

"I never got a chance to tell you in person, how proud I was of you.I am praying for your family."
- DANNA D RICHARDSON
April 18, 2026 10:56 pm

Candles Lit
"May Chris light continue to shine on through those that love him. "
- Pamela V. Airhart
April 8, 2026 6:26 pm

"My prayers and condolences to the family. I worked with Chris who was very kind. He had a humble spirit and always greeted you with a smile. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Chris. "
- Vanessa Marshall
April 9, 2026 9:23 am

"Rest in peace Trustee Gonzalez"
- Marilyn Jenkins - Thornton Township
April 9, 2026 10:59 am

"Sending my deepest condolences to the Christopher Gonzalez family. May God keep his loving arms around his children, family and friends always. May God continue to heal your hearts!! "
- Shellice Miles
April 9, 2026 2:08 pm

"We continue in prayers πŸ™ "
- Attorneys Military Mediators Consultants Swartz-Lee-Andersn-
April 10, 2026 12:23 pm

"Prayers going out to the family of Chris, worked with him for 20 years and he was a good person and was for the people, RIP CHRIS"
- Dwayne Thrash
April 12, 2026 7:15 am

"May the force be with u when I raise my candle for u Chris Oshaybates"
- Oshaybates
April 13, 2026 7:40 am

"May Chris legacy of service and integrity continue to shine and inspire us."
- Joanie Conley
April 13, 2026 2:34 pm