Manuel Rodriguez Jr. was born November 15, 1957 to Manuel and Jan Juana Rodriguez in Davis, Oklahoma. Manuel grew up in San Benito, Texas where he attended San Benito High. Manuel came to Michigan as a migrant worker. His family would come every summer for work, then where he started a family of his own. He always had a smile on his face and loved to brighten one’s day. He’d crack a joke to see you smile - and it always worked. He enjoyed fixing cars and just about anything else he knew he would. Manuel enjoyed listening to Mexican music, where he’d sing and dance, loved watching John Wayne Western movies, and his favorite team the Dallas Cowboys. He loved family gatherings and spending time with his grandchildren. He always wanted to be with his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife Julia C. Rodriguez of Alma; his children Alicia (Gilbert) Liguez of St. Louis, Manuel (Robi Jo) Rodriguez III of St. Louis, Gabriel (Tracey) Rodriguez of Alma, Catarino (Jillian) Rodriguez of St. Louis, Xavier (Alyssa) Rodriguez of St. Louis; his grandchildren Josie Keyes, Jacelle (Dacotta) Christensen, Enrique (Cynthia) Garcia, Gilbert (Mya) Rosas, Alejandro Rosas, Mya Rodriguez, Jozellen Rodriguez, Joshua Rodriguez, Gabrielle Rodriguez, Carleigh VanHorn, Stevie Jo Porsch, Isaiah Rodriguez, Salem Rodriguez, Adonis Rodriguez; great-grandchildren Aliciana Keyes, Kristian Keyes, Kaydee Keyes, Lyonel Garcia, Lucas Garcia, Marcus Garcia, Ricky Garcia, and Oceana Rosas. Manuel is also survived by his seven siblings, sisters, Maria Alicia Castillo from Denton, TX, Viola Rivera from San Benito, TX, Virginia Rodriguez from Rio Hondo, TX, Mercedes Sauceda from Harlingen, TX; and brother Juan D. Rodriguez from San Benito, TX.
Funeral services for Manuel will be 11am Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Visitation will be held 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Monday, November 22, at the funeral home.
The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.