Gilbert Louis Fresquez passed away at his home in Live Oak on February 27, 2010 at the age of 61 after a brief valiant battle with cancer. He had been a 15 year Hollister resident. He was born on October 3, 1948 to Andronico and Sarah Fresquez in Ranchitos, New Mexico. Born into a family of Colorado ranchers and descended from Spanish settlers in New Mexico; he was raised in the rural town of Manassa, Colorado. He graduated from Centauri High School in La Jara, Colorado in 1967. He graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in Industrial Arts from San Mateo College in 1970. While attending college he worked at Bay Meadows race track as a horse trainer. He was a true horseman. After graduation he worked as a welder for General Electric and later as a manufacturing engineer at Teledyne McCormick Selph Inc. In 1972 he married the love of his life (the former) Antonia C. Fernandez and they raised their three children Reina, Carlos, and Rosalinda on a 15 acre farm in Hollister, Ca. In 1986 Gilbert built their family a new home during his hours after work. In 1990 the family moved to Yuba City where he worked as a welder and handyman. Mr. Fresquez was a true craftsman. He could fix automobiles, construct/repair homes, draw, and weld scrap metal into beautiful sculptures/objects. He was always the first to offer help to a friend or family member and had a terrific sense of humor, keeping those around him well entertained.
He is survived by his wife of more than 37 years Antonia (Toni) C. Fresquez of Live Oak, CA; his children Reina (Sal) Fresquez-Garcia of Sacramento, CA, Carlos (Candice) Fresquez of Santa Clara, CA and Rosalinda Bruemmer of Live Oak, CA; five grandchildren; Reina and Christian Bruemmer, Gianna, Eric and Andrew Garcia and his siblings Lawrence (Velma) Fresquez of Oakley, CA, Michael Fresquez of Yuba City, CA, and his sister Loveada (Richard) Fresquez-Gayton of Newman, CA. He is also survived by a large loving family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and one infant sister Loretta Fresquez.
Visitation will held Wednesday March 3, 2010 from 5-7 followed by a rosary at 7p.m. at Lipp and Sullivan 629 D St. Marysville, CA
Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday March 4, 2010 at 11 a.m. at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Yuba City, CA. A “Celebration of Life” reception will immediately follow the mass at 330 9th St. Marysville, CA.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his name to Fremont-Rideout Hospice 939 Live Oak Blvd. Yuba City, CA 95991
