Hector Rodriguez, Sr.

Fiercely independent; a devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather; and dedicated husband; Hector Rodriguez, Sr. died on Friday, Oct. 27 in Kalamazoo, MI. Born in Cadereyta Jimenez, Nuevo León , MX on Aug. 4, 1939 and the oldest of 14, he came to the U.S. as a teen with his parents, Saul and Ignacia Rodriguez, and three sisters at the time. He could barely speak English as the famiy struggled to become part of the American dream. He found himself having to work with other men at the age of 14 in Florida while his family struggled doing farm work in Texas. Years later, at 19, he met his wife to be, Dionisia “Alice” Reyna, 17, while the two families labored on the same farm. Their marriage allowed them to stay together, start a family, and continue to travel the migrant trek from Mexico to Michigan, working along the way in Texas, Nebraska, and Ohio. The story goes that truck that carried the Rodriguez clan broke down in Hartford, MI just before winter. With not enough money for repairs, the family spent a full year in the north for the first time. The migrant life would soon end while they set roots in Southwest Michigan. After settling in Lawrence, MI and his wife death, he continued to make the trek alone for years where he had a second home and visited family and friends.

He and his wife Alice raised five loving and hard working children. Listed are also the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Hector II, wife Janie Rodriguez

Hector III, wife Heather Rodriguez - Kain Rodriguez, Tim Kelley

Christina Rodriguez - Anthony Smith, Christian Smith, Michael Smith, Marcus Smith

Gilbert Rodriguez, deceased

Brandon Rodriguez - Brendon Rodriguez

Autumn Presock, husband Corrie Presock - Austin Barnett, William Weeks (Corrie’s children Walker Lhamon and Clayton Lhamon)

Victor Rodriguez, husband Matt Moad

Idalia, husband Julio Ledesma

Justin Ledesma and Miguel Ledesma

Idalia’s children from a previous partnership

Lorena Cruz

Eulogio Cruz III (Alex) - Victor Cruz, Viviana Cruz, Emmanuel Cruz, Canelo Cruz, Ariyana Cruz

Gilbert Cruz - Celeste Cruz, Sebastian Cruz

Rene, wife Diana Rodriguez

Vanessa Rodriguez

Allison Rodriguez

He is preceded in death by his parents, Saul Rodriguez and Ignacia Aranda, who were the respected and honored patriarch and matriarch of this big beautiful family. Listing of sisters and brothers in order: Angelita, husband Julio Ledesma; Jose Rodriguez (deceased); Adela Rodriguez (deceased); Rosa, husband Luis Zapata (deceased); Aurora Rodriguez; Oralia, husband Antonio Robles; Daniel, wife Gregoria Rodriguez; Maria (dedeased), husband Gary Schaeffer (deceased); Beatrice, husband Manuel DeLaRosa; Ermenia, husband Randy DeLong; David, wife Theresa Rodriguez: Adam, wife Janie Rodriguez; Homero, wife Yolanda Rodriguez; and Martin Rodriguez (deceased)

There will be two gatherings to celebrate Hector’s life, Saturday, November 4, 2023, visitation from 2 - 4 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, where a memorial service will commence at 4:00 p.m. There will be a family gathering on Sunday, November 5th at the Red Brick Hall, 301 N. Main St., Lawton. Join us in sharing stories with family members and friends. Light Bites & Refreshments from 1 p.m. -3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to: Luc’s Light, https://www.lucslight.org

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