Leilani "Koa" Gonzalez
March 21, 2023
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Service Details
Leilani “Koa” Gonzalez passed away on March 21, 2023, at her home in Des Moines, Iowa. She was 13 years old.
Leilani was born on March 14, 2010, in Des Moines, Iowa, to her parents Jonathan Gonzalez-Velez and Danielle Yonemura. She attended Harding Middle School in Des Moines and was an avid reader, an aspiring writer, and one of the smartest and most articulate kids her age.
Leilani is survived by her mother, Danielle Yonemura; her father, Jonathan Gonzalez-Velez; and two little brothers, Giovanni Gonzalez, 5, and Dominic Gonzalez, 2.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home in Des Moines, Iowa, at 5400 SW 9th Street.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Leilani.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
“If tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not here to see.
If the sun should rise and you find your eyes all filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today.
While thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you.
And each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me please try to understand.
That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand.”
Taliya
06/01/2023
Dear Koa, I miss you ever day you were such a good person. You are so beautiful.
Sofia
04/01/2023
Koa, you deserved far better than to endure such trauma and pain. You chose a fitting name for yourself: Kekoa. Warrior. You deserved to have your identity respected. You deserved a safe place where you felt accepted. Thank you for letting me be your friend, if only for a summer. It was an honor.
Sammi Zane
04/01/2023
I remember When we first met when we were five
We used to run and jump and play and be so alive
We always promise to be best friends
And love each other to the world ends
And as we grew a little bit older
We soon found out the world was colder
I remember our talks and what we shared
Oh God I wish you knew how much I cared
I sit and remember about the parties and sleepovers
I sit here and I pray and pray for God to give us a do-over
KOA always know my best friend
I will always love you to my end
Written by Zane.
Sammi Reynolds
Teagan
04/01/2023
Koa, I remember when we first met at GSA. You always had a smile and a bright glow on your face. You were always so compassionate and cared for everyone and every creature. You always made people so happy and whenever I think of you I get a smile on my face remembering all the good memories. Thank you so much Lani, rest peacefully.
Semajj
03/31/2023
I can't forget the first day we met it was like god put us together for a reason. And I want to thank him for that anytime I needed you, you would show up when I needed someone to talk to you would be there. Thank you so much bestie
Mr. Chris @ Harding MS
03/28/2023
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us
through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole
human family; but most especially the family and friends of Lelani "Koa" Gonzalez, take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and
confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in
harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Taylor
03/27/2023
I will never forget your beautiful smile. Walking in the door and heading your voice. Sitting with you and mom while she did homework and you watched something on the other half of her screen. You were so smart brave and silly. You changed lives and youll truly be missed. Until we meet again rest peacefully and shine bright for us. I miss you
Delios Lonewolf
03/27/2023
We love you.
We will miss you FOREVER.
Rest peacefully. ❤💜💙
Emma
03/26/2023
we love and miss you.