Serafin N. "Nick" Gonzalez, Jr., 88 of Effingham, formerly of Northbrook, passed away Tuesday evening, April 17, 2018 at Lutheran Care Center in Altamont.

A funeral mass to celebrate Nick's life will be at a later date.

Nick was born August 27, 1929 in Chicago, the son of Serafin Sr. and Clara B. (Bruse) Gonzalez. He married Veronica J. "Connie" Blonde on May 22, 1954 in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. Nick served with the United States Army during the Korean War. He spent many years doing carpentry work and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shumway.

Nick is survived by his wife, Veronica of Effingham; sons, Don (Sharon) of Payette, ID, Bruce of Northbrook and David of Ballin, MO; daughters, Carol Ann (Frank) Mata of Wheeling and Patricia (Matt) Berardi of Prairie View; sister, Gloria Jost; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters.