Jose Rodriguez

In Loving Memory 

Jose Jr. Rivas Rodriguez, born in March 5, 1943, passed away on June 29, 2024. 

He was born to José Sr. and Antonia Rodriguez in San Antonio, Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Alice, his sons Robert and Joe, and his wife Amy, his grandsons, Gabriel, Nathan, John Michael, and Nicholas, his granddaughters, Isabella and Penelope, and the family dog, Stymie. His siblings are Lucía (Lucy) and her husband Raymond, Guadalupe (Lupe), Juana (Jane) and her husband Wayne, Lily, Enrique (Henry) and his wife Margie, Gloria and her husband Paul, Celia (Sally) and her husband Trey, and Ruben and his wife Molly.

He is preceded in death by his son Randy Rodriguez, who passed away on March 13, 2024, and his siblings Enrique (1 month old), Gilberto, Rosita, Angela, Macario, Felipa, and Elena.

Jose came into this world with 16 siblings as a crop worker from an immigrant mother. But was encouraged to finish high school graduating in 1961. He was very popular and helpful to everyone he encountered, earning him the role of the vice president of the student council and a rising track star with his participation in state track competitions.

Jose served 4 years in the Air Force after high school during the Vietnam War. He earned a certification as an electrician during this time, and would later relocate to Kalamazoo, Michigan where he joined General Motors in 1968 until his retirement in 1998. He began as a line worker, quickly rose to line supervisor, and finished his career as a department manager and shift superintendent. While working at GM, Jose received multiple bonuses for his cost-saving suggestions to the company.

Jose also spent another 35 years in the Air Force Reserves earning him a life-changing pension and VA benefits.

Jose retired twenty-six years ago at the age of 55, and he and Alice enjoyed traveling to their vacation home in Las Vegas several times a year. He enjoyed many hobbies, including Texas hold ’em poker competitions, hunting, fishing, bowling, and golfing. He later joined Alice in becoming a fitness enthusiast and supported his wife’s pro-body-building career for 23 years. They both became judges for many body-building competitions across the country, and Alice retired from personal training only a few years ago, thanks to her loving husband’s support.

Jose was a passionate and very supportive person who left a lasting memory with everyone he met. We are proud of his accomplishments after being raised as a crop worker from an immigrant family.

Funeral Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024

Visitation: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Service: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Flanner Buchanan - Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite)

9700 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46250

Celebration of Life 3:00pm-6:00pm

St. Luke Catholic Church

7575 E. Holiday Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46260

Please RSVP Celebration & Potluck Participation

Text or email.your RSVP To:

616-292-4551 or [email protected] 

Subject: 

Jose Celebration - Name and Qty Attending

We are also asking family and friends to help out with bringing a dish to the celebration.

More details to follow on Potluck menu

Hotel Options

Embassy Suites on Michigan at 96th St.

Drury Hotel on 31 and 96th St.

Ironworks (Pet Friendly) Nice Keystone Plaza

I'm (Rob) staying at Ironworks 7/11 thru 7/14