John Rodriguez

John Rodriguez, age 77, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 8, 2014 at the Toledo Hospital surrounded by his loving family.  John was born November 24, 1937 in Santa Rosa, Texas to Gilberto and Catarina Rodriguez.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and attended the University of Toledo.  John was a plant manager for Donovan Wire and Steel for 25 years and later worked for Heidtman Steel, where he retired as sales manager from their New Tech Steel division. John was an active member of Holland Free Methodist Church for over 30 years. During that time he served proudly as a Sunday School teacher, Treasurer and Usher.  John also was an advocate for the Spanish speaking community as he interpreted for them in the courts, hospitals and various organizations. A very humble man, he helped to start new ministries and was known for this all throughout Ohio.  John was an active member of Holland Free Methodist Church where he served as a Deacon.  He was a missionary for churches and other countries, such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic. John enjoyed fellowship and family and will be remembered for his selflessness, and his kind, compassionate nature. He had a outstanding ability to brighten peoples lives.  John was a member of the board at the American Cancer Society and was a volunteer for Helping Hands, delivering food and gifts to those in need at Christmas.  He was a devoted family man who deeply cherished his wife, children and grandchildren. John is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary; sons, Michael (Sandi), David (Lynn), and Eddie Rodriguez; daughter, Marisa (Todd) Rains; 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Lupe Sanchez, Frances Regalado, and Julie Gallaher.  He was preceded in death by his parents; 10 siblings and 2 grandchildren. Visitation will be Sunday, December 14, 2014 from 2-8:00pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.).  Funeral services will be at 11:00am Monday, December 15, 2014 at Holland Free Methodist Church, 6605 Angola Rd. Holland, OH 43528.  Interment will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 740 Commerce Dr., Suite B  Perrysburg, OH, 43551 or SIDS Network of Ohio,421 Graham Road #H, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221  Online condolences and messages may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.