This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Obitslenaweecounty Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.gonzalez/945/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Adrian Daily Telegram, Saturday, December 1, 2007, pg A2 Renato J. Gonzalez ADRIAN - Renato J. Gonzalez, age 70, of Adrian peacefully passed away Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007 at his home. Renato was born in Mexico City on Jan. 5, 1937, the son of Rafael Gonzalez Rojas and and Victoria Perez Gonzalez. He and his family immigrated to the United States when Renato was 7 years old. A life-long learner, Renato received both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from the University of Michigan. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in 20th Century Spanish Literature from Michigan State University. On March 23, 1989, Renato married Kimberly Sleater in Pie De La Cuesta, Mexico, and then they made their home in Adrian. Kimberly and Renato enjoyed traveling abroad, visiting museums, attending concerts, hunting mushrooms, golfing and spending time with family and friends. Well-known within the academic community, Renato taught at Albion College for 13 years as well as Michigan State University, Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan. In 1989 he began teaching at Siena Heights University. He initiated and developed an international studies program providing an opportunity for students from Siena Heights University, Adrian College, and other academic institutions to study abroad. In 2002 Renato received the Sister Eileen Rice Award for Outstanding Teaching. Those who have known Renato realize his passion was to promote global understanding and peace through language, learning and an appreciation of cultural diversity. Renato was the first State Director of Bilingual Education in Michigan and the first president of the Michigan Association of Bilingual Education. Recently Renato collaboratively developed the Middle Eastern Studies Program at Siena Heights University. Renato was a member of the Adrian Rotary and an advisor for the Rotaract Club at Siena Heights. He has also served on the Human Relations Board for the City of Adrian and the Advisory Board for Michigan State University Extension Services 4-H Clubs. He was the founder of Siena Language Arts Players, President of Lenawee County Foreign Language Teachers Association and a major organizer of the N.A.F.T.A. Conference at Siena Heights University. In addition to his wife, Kimberly, Renato is survived by his two sons, Marcos (Tracey) Gonzalez of Adrian and Dr. Matthew (Christine) Gonzalez of Woodhaven, Mich.; seven grandchildren, Devin, Diego, Maya, Nicolas, Ariana, Andrea and Alexander. Also surviving is a sister, Lila Garfinkel Gonzalez of Aptos, Calif., and three brothers, Paul (Margie) Gonzalez of Clarkston, Mich.,Ruben (Sheryl) Gonzalez of Sacramento, Calif., and Richard (Sandy) Gonzalez of Colorado Springs, Colo. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service for Renato will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, at the First United Methodist Church of Adrian. Friends may visit the family on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, at the Wagley Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Those wishing to make a contribution in memory of Renato may direct their gifts to Siena Heights University or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Envelopes are available at the Wagley Funeral Home. I do not research this family. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.