Martinez, Rodolfo 'Rudy' 1942-2020

MARTINEZ, VELASQUEZ

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

Martinez, Rodolfo ‘Rudy’ born 1942 died Oct 2, 2020

Hawarden Ireton paper of Oct 22, 2020

HAWARDEN—Rodolfo “Rudy” Martinez, 78, of Hawarden, died Friday, Oct. 2, 2020.
Visitation will be held 9-10:15 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, with a funeral service to follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hawarden. Masks will be required. A private burial will be held later in Lovell, WY.

Rudy was born February 20, 1942 in Lovell, WY. He was the son of Francisco and Juana (Velasquez) Martinez. He had seven brothers and three sisters. Rudy graduated from Lovell High school in 1960. He went on to serve in the Army National Guard and attend St. Paul Vocational Technical College. Rudy moved to Hawarden and was a dedicated supervisor at Iowa Lamb Corporation from 1987-2011. Co-workers admired him for his wisdom, work ethic and precision, and being a friend to all.

Rudy was blessed with three children: Randy, Brenda and Abby. He enjoyed going out to eat with his family and sharing stories (he always had a good one), reminiscing about days on his farm, and spending time with all of his grandchildren. Rudy loved socializing with people of all ages, and could talk for hours on a variety of topics ranging from politics to sports. He was a tough and strong-willed man, but whether he knew you for 20 years or 20 minutes, he would give you the shirt off his back. Rudy was an avid fan of the Denver Broncos and could frequently be seen sporting their gear such as sunglasses and windbreakers while walking around town. He was very devout in his faith and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Survivors include his son Randy Martinez (Amy) of Sioux Falls, SD; daughters Brenda Martinez of Mansfield, OH, and Abigail Hernandez (Ignacio) of Sioux Center; his brother Jesse Martinez of Lovell, WY; his sister Rose Cantrell of Lakewood, CO; nine grandchildren: Ryan Martinez (Jess), Dominique Granger, William Donathon, Elizabeth Donathon, Jalen Topete, Brayden Topete, Masie Hernandez, and Trayten Hernandez; and seven great-grandchildren.