Aarika Nicole Gonzalez

July 14, 1981 - November 20, 2022

Aarika Nicole Gonzalez (nee Roberts), 41, passed away surrounded by friends and family on November 20, 2022. Aarika was born on July 14th, 1981, to Darrell Roberts Sr. and Rosalee Roberts (nee Long) in Munster, IN.
She is survived by three children: Victoria Rose Gonzalez, Daniel Armando Gonzalez, and Gavin Celso Gonzalez.

She leaves behind four siblings: Darrell Roberts, Aaron Roberts, Rebekah Roberts-Fishel and Lauren Powers. She also leaves behind two nephews, three nieces, as well as many good friends, and the father of her children, Guillermo Gonzalez.

Aarika graduated from Hobart High School in 1999. She is a U.S Army veteran and served in Iraq, where she earned many distinguished medals and recognition, ( Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Lapel Button, Army Service Ribbon, Marksman Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, Overseas Service Bar, Combat Action Badge).

The Army took her and her family many places, including Colorado, Hawaii, Iraq, and Germany. After her honorable service in the Army, she earned a Master’s degree in social work from Missouri State University.

She was a beautiful person with an infectious laugh who spread joy and happiness wherever she went. Aarika enjoyed yoga, exercising, reading and spending time with her children whom she adored.

As per Aarika’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.

Arrangements are entrusted to Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre.

Visit Aarika’s online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com 219-663-2500.

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Aarika Nicole Gonzalez (nee Roberts), 41, passed away surrounded by friends and family on November 20, 2022. Aarika was born on July 14th, 1981, to Darrell Roberts Sr. and Rosalee Roberts (nee Long) in Munster, IN. She is survived by three children: Victoria Rose Gonzalez, Daniel Armando Gonzalez, and Gavin Celso Gonzalez. She leaves behindContinue Reading

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My deepest condolences to Aarika's family! We became friends on fb after connecting through ancestry dna and finding out we were second cousins. Our Mother's were first Cousins. After connecting through ancestry dna, we became fb friends and I enjoyed watching her life with her beautiful kids who I could clearly see she adored. She was inspirational and I could see she was a light that was bright. Again, I am heartbroken to know she is no longer with us on this earth. Prayers to her beautiful kids and her family! Rest in Peace Aarika!

Wow, cant believe Aarika is gone in the physical. She will always be here with us in spirit. I got the gift of knowing Aarika from ABJ Crown Point VA Clinic. Always willing to chat, never afraid to give her opinion, Aarika ran yoga for all the employees of the clinic. Sometimes there would be 8-10, sometimes just me and Aarika. She was so selfless always doing for others. had some good talks about life and religion with her. I will always call her my friend. I will miss you friend. I will pray over her children and family. We need to make our circle of love closer since we lost one. Godspeed Aarika rest easy now.

My condolences to your family My you RIP a beautiful person thank you for being a great person

In memory of Aarika Nicole Gonzalez, Paulette Stronczek lit a candle

In memory of Aarika Nicole Gonzalez, Stephanie lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Aarika, Was a beautiful soul. It hurts my heart that she did not realize how really beautiful of a soul and being she was. That's why it's important to tell our family tell our children tell our friends how much beauty they have in them every day. She was warm she was inviting To me she had so much courage to take on vets and their depression, While trying to understand her own. Aarika you will forever be loved and forever be missed. It truly does hurt to lose such a spirit of hers, when her type of caring spirit is truly needed in today's society ♥️

May peace be with you

In memory of Aarika Nicole Gonzalez, betty jane spanier lit a candle

Three years of friendship was not long enough. But I am grateful for atleast having that and having the pleasure of going on mqny adventures with you. I will miss your laugh and smile. The sleepovers, trips and long phone calls. Miss you and love you lady

My heart goes out to Aarika’s family, especially her children. I will miss seeing her smiling face as she walks into church Sunday mornings and the wonderful conversations we had. In Faith, Barb

In memory of Aarika Nicole Gonzalez, Parker Bell lit a candle

In memory of Aarika Nicole Gonzalez, Lisa Claar lit a candle

Deepest condolences in the loss of this precious soul and Veteran. Prayers go out to her family and loved ones.

In memory of Aarika Nicole Gonzalez, Nekohl Johnson lit a candle

My prayers to the family for your loss.

Heavy hearted.. My deepest sympathy and unwavering support to Aarika’s children and loved ones. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. We played soccer together in high school.. Josie’s convertible.. to seeing each other in Hawaii in the Army, small fish in a big world.. taking you fishing on the north shore.. telling you your pleats in your BDU’s weren’t sharp enough and asking if you shined your boots with mop n glow.. I could go on.. just fussing at you.. but you already know ;) I can still see that smile from back then. God speed my friend rest easy.. Til Valhalla

In memory of Aarika Nicole Gonzalez, F lit a candle

To Rosalee, Darrel sr. my cousins, and Aarika’s kids, we are so very sorry that Aarika is gone. Sending love prayers and hugs. I’m here if you need/want to talk.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My Condolences and Prayers to all. Aarika presence will be greatly missed. I know her spirit will continue to shine ✨️ bright. I will always remember you...your laughter and love ❤️. RIH

Aarika I will miss all the Great conversation that we shared together along with the Army stories. Aarika you will be missed, and I will continue to watch your IG stories and read over our messages to each other. Until we meet again Love Shaunta

I hope your soul finds peace. You will be missed. --Dr. Alex C. Kristevski

First, I give my deepest condolences and sympathies to the family. My heart aches for your loss you carry for you loved one. I just wanted to take a moment to share that I meet Arrika while she worked at the Adam Benjamin Jr. Clinic. She had an energy that brought the best out of everyone and always supported one to strive to do better. This is how I will remember her. She was truly a shining light to the veterans and had positive impacts with many of the veterans she served. May you find rest now soldier as we have the watch from here. "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. " - Laurence Binyon

Sending my deepest condolences to her family and friends. Aarika was such a lovely person. I worked with her at the VA, and she had an amazing light about her. She was a strong advocate for veterans and had a deep desire to bring laughter and healing to people.

I am so sorry to hear this. Aarika was such a good person and will be missed. I worked with Aarika during her time at the VA and she was a staunch advocate for the Veterans. The world is less bright without her in it. Rest in peace and thank you for your service.

Rest in God’s arms now. Working Saturdays without you will be terribly hard. You helped so many fellow veterans and it was a honor to have worked with you. My family will be praying the Lord provides your family and friends with strength and comfort to get through this tough time. God Bless you.

Rest in Peace my wonderful friend. I will miss your presence. You will and always be a kind and understanding person. Good souls are always hard to find. I found one in you. Love always!

I briefly met Aarika in March. She was good friend of my roommate Natasha whom she met in the Army. She spent the weekend with us as a guest in our house in Minnesota. I was touched by her kindness and friendliness of everyone she met here. She loved to talk and listen to people's experiences and stories. She enjoyed her time here and I believe that felt at peace when she visited. It was so nice to meet her. My sympathy and condolences to her family and loved ones. You are with me in my thoughts and prayers.

My heart ache to hear that she has passed my prayers and condolence are with her husband, children and love ones. Please contact me I would like to attend her funeral

I love you Aarika

We share in your grief. Aarika was a valued VA employee and helped many veterans. She was always a joy.

I love you Aarika. You will be missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.