Meghan and Gonzalo have been married for over 20 years. They have two amazing children, Luciana (11) and Matias (9). Less than two months ago Gonzalo started struggling with anxiety which quickly spiraled into a tragic event no one could have ever imagined. On February 23 Gonzalo passed away very unexpectedly leaving behind our sister, our niece, and our nephew. Gonzalo was such a fun-loving, generous and kind husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. Everyone in the family remembers him as the most incredible listener, always fully present in conversations, always checking in and following up to make sure his loved ones knew he was there for them. He was that person who let the things that don’t matter go and appreciated the small things in life, always grateful for everything he had - - - above all his incredible family. We are starting this GoFundMe site as so many people have reached out to ask how they can help the family or send money from near and far. In lieu of flowers, this fund will go to helping Meghan cover the funeral expenses, visit Gonzalo’s family in Ecuador with the children post-covid and it will serve as an education fund for the children as we know it was extremely important to Gonzalo that his children achieve everything in life they come to wish for as they continue to grow and flourish. No one should feel obligated to contribute. This is one option to show your support to the family. We are forever grateful to everyone keeping the Flores family in your thoughts or prayers. UPDATE: We are extremely grateful to everyone who has shown their support to our family in so many ways including contributions to the GoFundMe we setup for Meghan, Luciana and Matias. Knowing so many people cared so much about Gonzalo and want to help Meghan and the children gives them great strength during this unimaginably difficult time.  As neighbors and friends continue to reach out for more ways to help, Luciana's friend's mom set up a MealTrain to help the family in the coming months. Please <a href="https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/720z38" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CLICK HERE</a>  if you would like to bring a meal to the Flores Family.  A recording of the beautiful Celebration of Life Service which was held in memory of Gonzalo (Darwin) Flores on March 2 will be available for one year at: vimeo.com/513945168 Thank You &amp; Take Care! Alison &amp; Ami (Meghan’s sisters) *Please click on the green Contact button below if you would like to contact Meghan's sisters directly. About Gonzalo (Darwin) Flores Born in Cayambe, Ecuador and raised in Quito, Gonzalo is survived by his loving wife Meghan, daughter Luciana and son Matias in Minnesota as well as his caring parents Gonzalo and Teresa, and his siblings Alfredo, Marjori and Felipe in Ecuador. His many, many uncles, aunts, and cousins in Ecuador and his immediate family in Minnesota will also miss him dearly: Jeni (mother-in-law), Fredy (cousin and brother-in-law), Alison (sister-in-law), Gabriel (nephew), Ana (niece), Ami (sister-in-law) and Wim (brother-in-law). Gonzalo’s deep love for Meghan led him to take a journey of over 3,000 miles from Ecuador to the Twin Cities over 20 years ago. Gonzalo and Meghan were married for over 10 years before they decided to start a family with the birth of their preciosa Luciana followed by their little pumpkin Matias. Gonzalo loved spending time with his family and friends in Minnesota and was always very connected to his family and loved ones in Ecuador despite the distance. It was extremely important to him to video chat with them often and continue returning for visits as often as possible. He was also very grateful for the few trips he was able to take with his family to enjoy other cultures in faraway places such as Europe and Puerto Rico. He enjoyed hosting grill parties, playing soccer, spending time outdoors with his dear family and music from all over the world. He cared for those around him deeply and always told his loved ones how much they meant to him. Gonzalo left us on February 23, 2021 and he will live on in the hearts of so many people who love him tremendously. Celebration of Life Service for Gonzalo (Darwin) Flores A private family visitation will take place on Sunday, February 28 at the Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center followed by a COVID-SAFE REMEMBRANCE OF LIFE SERVICE at St. Andrews Lutheran Church on TUESDAY, MARCH 2 at 10am. <a href="https://www.bradshawfuneral.com/obituary/Gonzalo-Flores" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CLICK HERE</a>  for the obituary. ***REGISTER FOR THE SERVICE BY MONDAY MARCH 1 - CLICK HERE*** REGISTRATION FOR THE SERVICE IS MANDATORY TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE PRESENT. COVID-SAFE protocols will be followed in directing the flow foot traffic at arrival and departure. Attendees will be seated in socially distanced pods. Masks fully covering nose and mouth are required for attendance. ***LIVE STREAM THE SERVICE ON TUESDAY MARCH 2 - CLICK HERE***  If you prefer to attend the service virtually, the service will be available via live stream on Tuesday March 2 at 10am. Celebration of Life Service Please join Gonzalo’s family to grieve his passing and celebrate his life. Tuesday, March 2 at 10am St Andrews Lutheran Church 900 Stillwater Road Mahtomedi MN 55115 Health Precautions and Guidelines for Attending an On-Campus Event at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church St. Andrew’s asks that you do not attend an on-campus event if you answer “yes” to any of these questions: Have you been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last month? Have you had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last two weeks? Have you developed any of the following symptoms in the last two weeks? New or worsening cough or shortness of breath? Sore throat? New muscle aches? New headache? New loss of sense of smell or taste? Do you have a fever of 100.4 degrees or more and/or have you taken medication to reduce a fever in the last 24 hours? Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea? The best information we have from both public health officials concludes that older adults and those with underlying medical conditions may be at greater risk if they contract the virus. Understanding these risks, if you are in one of these vulnerable categories, please make your own decision about whether or not to attend.  Due to the need to physically/socially distance and according to the MN Department of Health guidelines, we have established a maximum number of congregants for all on-campus events, including funerals. Reservations will be required. Please register by March 1. You will be checked in when you arrive in the Sanctuary. There is no visitation as part of the service at St. Andrew’s. Please enter the building at Door 1 of the Sanctuary building from the main parking lot on the east side of the Sanctuary and proceed to the check-in table. While we recognize that children under two and some with special medical needs cannot wear one, appropriate masks or face coverings are required in buildings on our campus. Extra masks will be available at check-in. We have a plan for physical/social distancing in our Sanctuary. Our staff will be on hand to guide attendees to appropriate seating areas.

Stephanie Harms

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Brenda Janikowski-Rhines

Brad Riebel

Anonymous

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Flores Family Memorial Fund

Flores Family Memorial Fund

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