Gonzalo Joe Cueva , Jr.

October 9, 1977 - August 4, 2026

Gonzalo Joe Cueva Jr., 48, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 4, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Topeka, to Teresa Barranco Cueva, Joe graduated from Hayden High School in 1996. He went on to work for many years as a Machine Operator at Southwest Publishing where he took great pride in his work and enjoyed the friendships he built with his coworkers.

Joe was known for his kind heart, caring nature, and love for his family. An avid football fan, he faithfully supported his favorite team the Dallas Cowboys. He was especially proud of his nieces and nephews and cherished every opportunity to attend their events, celebrate their accomplishments, and to watch them grow. Joe was truly their biggest fan.

He enjoyed playing video games with his nieces and nephews and introducing them to the culture and history of music, especially Mexican music. Joe also loved watching movies, sharing Mexican food with family and friends, and reminiscing about the good times and lasting memories they created together.  

Joe is survived by his mother, Teresa Barranco Cueva; his brother, John Barranco, his sister, Terri (Jimmy) Wadley; and his nieces and nephews, Bailey (Gary) Murray, James (Joseph) Wadley II, Matthew Barranco, Emma (Frankie) Santiago, and Lauren Wadley. He is also survived by his great-nieces and great-nephews, Jaxon, Kasey, Malakai “Kai”, Luna, and Clara.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Genevieve Serna Barranco, as well as several beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 28th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Topeka. Family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Following the funeral, family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at the Crestview Shelter House. In accordance with Joe’s wishes, the gathering will be a celebration filled with food, music, drinks, and the sharing of happy memories. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite sports apparel, especially Dallas Cowboys gear, because according to Joe, they were “the best team in America.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to assist with medical and funeral expenses may be sent via Cashapp ($TWadley03) or Venmo (@Terri-Wadley-1).

“Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and forever dear.”