Apolinar Serrano Gatica
August 01, 1944 - November 20, 2020
Obituary
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Apolinar S. “Paul” Gatica, age 76, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. He was born on Aug. 1, 1944, in Gregory, Texas, the son of Alfonso and Maria (Serrano) Gatica. He was united in marriage to Rosalinda Rodriguez on Nov. 17, 1966.
Apolinar built houses and was a hard migrant worker. He was very humble, had a heart of gold and always helped everyone. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially at their family get-togethers. He was a second father to so many people and so many looked up to him. Apolinar was an avid NASCAR and football fan. He enjoyed collecting a variety of things and was an expert garage sale hunter. He loved going on road trips and was a huge fan of chocolate. Apolinar will be remembered for his hospitality and open-door policy-he was always welcoming and let anyone stay with him.
Apolinar is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Rosalinda; four sons, Juan Gatica, Luis Gatica, Antonio Gatica (Christina Lopez) and Apolinar (Chelsea) Gatica II; four daughters, Diana Gatica (Omar Cortez), Irene (Juan) Barajas, Sonia Gatica (Chay Dominguez) and Veronica Gatica(Jose Hernandez); grandchildren, Angelica, Maximos, Valentino, Yesenia, Eliazar, Marissa, Emilio, Andres, Gavino, Santana, Camelia, Ismael, Giselle, Vicente, Jimena, Jose, Ricko, Evonne, Poly, and Dakota; great-grandchildren, Alicia, Roman, Apollo, Ricky, Rosalinda, Araceli, Leo, Luca and Selena; four brothers, Alfonso (Frances) Gatica, Alejandro (Oralia) Gatica, Santos Gatica and Silvanos Gatica; two sisters, Amelia Gatica and Josephina (Luis) Martinez; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandsons, Anthony Valenza, and Antonio Gatica, Jr.; sister-in-law, Maria Gatica; and two sisters, Isabella (Ignacio) Gomez and Lupe (Julio) Puentes.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, social distancing and face masks are required. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
CV
Christina Vargas
Other •
There are no words to express the feelings we all feel, my Tio Guero was one of a kind and loved us as his own children. No matter what issues we had he always managed to make you feel better and always helped you find a solution. So many wonderful happy memories we all have of him I remember when we would visit my grandparents and they would tell us we’re going to Madison to get ready and all of us got super excited because we loved being around our family. There was never a dull moment so much love and laughter with everyone. I’ll never forget the joy and love I felt every time we were able to visit. I’m gonna miss you Tio Guero, you were a beautiful soul until we meet again Tio I love you
JL
Jon Landen, Fiona and the late Patty Landen
Other •
Wishing you God's peace and may our Lord bring you comfort, courage and love to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts
TS
Tribute Store
Other •
So very sorry for your loss. -Geneva, Denise, Janice, Tammie and Damon
TS
Tribute Store
Other •
Sending our respects and condolences to you all. So very sorry for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather. With Love, Tencha, Deena n familia
LF
Lali Rodriguez y Familia
Other •
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. We will miss you very much tio
LR
Lali Rodriguez
Other •
To my Tia Rosa and all of my cousin’s and family I am deeply saddened to hear of my Tio Guero’s passing—please accept my sincere condolences. Tio Guero was such an amazing person who had a heart of gold. I remember when I was little how he used to make us laugh by driving without hands for a couple seconds just to get us to laugh or giggle. I remember what a gentleman he always was making sure everyone felt at home when we visited, making sure we had somewhere to sit and there was food to share. I remember going to family events when I was little and how he would dance all night with my tia Rosa- I used to love watching them dance. Most of all I will remember my uncle’s kind heart and big wonderful smile. I know how much he adored and loved his family and how close he was to all his children and grandchildren. I cannot imagine what everyone must be going through right now. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone, I’m so sorry for your loss—may the loving memories help comfort you. Tio Guero I want to thank you for being a wonderful uncle to me—May you rest in peace with the beautiful angels-Love you all very much. -❤Lali Rodriguez and Family