Kurt Schilling, stepfather to the victims, speaks during the funeral of four of his step children Dec. 27, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
WEYAUWEGA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Daniel, Fabian, Lilian and Daniela Gonzalez will be forever remembered.
Four caskets carried their bodies Wednesday, as dozens of people gathered to pay their respects. Funeral services were held at Weyauwega-Fremont High School and led by Pastor Kurt Schilling, who is also the siblings’ stepfather.
“Nothing else matters in life but the people you love,” said Schilling during the service.
During the funeral, Schilling recounted the horrifying night of Dec. 16 when he and his family learned of the quadruple-fatal crash.
“Went to the scene of the accident, spoke to the police, told them we thought they were ours. They didn’t let us out of the car and I can understand why, after I realized what happened,” said Schilling. “I saw the body bags zipped up with our children inside of them.”
Daniel, 25, and Fabian, 23, both worked on the same dairy farm in Waushara County. Lilian, 14, wanted to be a teacher. Daniela, 9, wanted to be a cheerleader, and often helped translate for her Spanish-speaking mother.
“It’s heartbreaking to see again, my cousins, all four of them in front of us, there,” said Luis Gonzalez-Quizhpe, a cousin of the victims.
The crash cut their lives short, but Schilling said he isn’t filled with anger over what happened. He said he and his family have been leaning on their faith during this difficult time.
“Some people say I’m strong because of this,” said Schilling. “No, I’m not strong at all, but God is strong and he is in me.”
Family members said they are extremely grateful for the support they’ve received from Northeast Wisconsin and the Fox Valley to all the way across the nation.
“We want to thank you all, for all that support that we’ve received,” said Gonzalez-Quizhpe.
“Life can take away your kids, it can take away your treasure, it can take away your health,” said Schilling. “But no one can take away the hope that we have in the Lord God.”
Another visitation for the Gonzalez siblings is scheduled for Friday in Weyauwega. It will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Weyauwega, with a mass to follow.
The public is invited to attend.
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