Ramiro Rodriguez, Sr.

Mr. Ramiro Rodriguez, Sr., age 94, passed away Monday, January 21, 2008 at Brookhaven Medical Care Facility. He was born February 17, 1913 in Eagle Pass, Texas to Everesto and Guadalupe (Jimenez) Rodriguez and lived in the Muskegon are since 1936. On February 24, 1938, he married the former Guadalupe Anguiano in Crystal City, Texas, and she survives him. Mr. Rodriguez was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during WWII. He was affectionately known among his fellow soldiers as "The Old Man" because he began his military service at the age of 31. Prior to his retirement in 1968, he worked 35 years as a core maker for CWC-Textron. Mr. Rodriguez was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Among many interests, he enjoyed cooking. Along with is wife of 69 years, Guadalupe Rodriguez, SURVIVORS include his 3 children, Berta Rodriguez, Ramiro (Lynda Griswold) Rodriguez, Jr., both of Muskegon, and Oraila "Lolly" (Douglas) Newton of Grand Rapids; 7 grandchildren, Margarita (Jack) Rodriguez-Beeman, Carmen Rodriguez, Andres D. Rodriguez, Melissa Newton, Rebecca (Brian) Youngs, Ricardo Urbina, and Raul Urbina; 18 great grandchildren, including eldest, Mario Salazar. Mr. Rodriguez was preceded in death by 2 daughters, Delia and Guadalupe Rodriguez; a granddaughter, Cristina Newton; his parents; and 1 sister, Amelia Rodriguez. The MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 11:00 AM Friday, January 25, 2008 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Michael P. Olson as Celebrant. INTERMENT will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery with Military Honors offered by the Muskegon County Council of Veterans and the Honor Detail from the Michigan National Guard. VISITATION with the Rodriguez family will be 2-4 and 6-8 PM Thursday at The Sytsema Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Avenue (231) 726-5210 The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM Thursday evening. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the Mass, 10-11 AM Friday at the church.