Support for families pouring in following fatal West Allis fire

WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- Memorials outside a home near 57th and Lapham continue to grow after a fatal fire early Sunday, March 17th. 14-year-old Michael Gonzales, and 14-year-old Isaiha Kobow died in the fire. 13-year-old Joel Gonzales was able to rescue his four-year-old brother from the blaze -- and the two were treated at the hospital. Officials have said there were no adults home at the time of the fire. Following this tragedy, the community is coming together to help two families still grieving the loss of their loved ones.

Jesse Flores spends his days being creative at Serenity Ink. When he heard about the fire, and the deaths of Gonzales and Kobow, he decided to get involved.

"Immediately everybody started making phone calls," Flores said.

Flores met Wednesday morning, with a group of business owners -- some who know the families and others who don't. The group started organizing a string of fundraisers to help these families.

"We`ve been getting already, messages and phone calls of support, donations, food --anything we might need to make these events go as good as possible," Flores said.

Pavielle Gonzales was Michael Gonzales cousin. She says Michael's mother is overwhelmed with grief, but also with medical expenses, after Michael and his four-year-old brother were taken to the hospital after the fire.

"She lost everything, on top of her son. She doesn`t have basics she needs right now to even get ready for the day. She needs everything, on top of having to sit and plan for her son`s funeral," Gonzales said.

Gonzales says the support from the community has been overwhelming, and is helping them to heal.

"He`s gonna be missed. He was a great kid, great kid," Gonzales said.

Meanwhile, Flores says he is confident the uplifting support has only just begun.

"We`re hoping for a big turnout I think, a big turnout," Flores said.

Funds have been set up to help both families pay funeral expenses. The benefit for Michael Gonzales is at any Tri-City National Bank location. The Isaiha Kobow fund is at any Landmark Credit Union.

Funeral services have been finalized for Michael Gonzales. A visitation is planned for Sunday, March 24th from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m. -- and funeral services will follow.

Gonzales will be buried on Monday at Good Hope Cemetery.