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Manuel Rodriguez Obituary
February 12, 1948 May 16, 2012 Manuel Rodriguez, the true patriarch of his family was welcomed into Heaven on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Manuel was a 1966 graduate of East Chicago Roosevelt High School. He retired from Inland Steel after 25 years of service. He was a longtime Hammond resident that was well traveled. His true legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, whom he mentored, accepted and loved every moment of his life. Manuel is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Catherine Rodriguez; his son "the twinkle in his eye", Manuel Xavier Rodriguez; daughters: Angelic Rodriguez and Yvette (Aleks) Markovic; and son, Christopher Garcia; six grandchildren: Ashley Rodriguez, Jessica Rodriguez, Analyse Markovic, Xaundra Rodriguez, Aleah Markovic, and Sage Rodriguez; great grandson, Ronald Jordan, IV; two sisters: Maggie (Roy) Almeda and Maria Rodriguez; many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Petronilo and Carmen Rodriguez. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 with prayers at 9:15 a.m. at Bocken Funeral Home, 7042 Kennedy Avenue, Hammond (Hessville), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John Bosco Church, 7113 Columbia Avenue, Hammond with Father Richard Orlinski celebrant. Burial will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville. Friends are invited to meet with the family on Monday, May 21, 2012 at Bocken Funeral Home from 2:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Prayers will be offered at 3:00 p.m. Manuel was the heart of his family, being a dad was the most important thing to him. He showed his family where love could be found. He tackled many obstacles in his path and always kept a sense of humor, while teaching his family something new. Manuel was the soul of his family, he showed them the true importance of life. "We will miss you Grandpa". For more information you may call Bocken Funeral Home at (219)-844-1600 or you may visit us at: www.bockenfunerals.com
Memories and Condolences
for Manuel Rodriguez
Sponsored by Christopher R. Garcia .
Aria wilfinger
June 7, 2025
Hello grandpa I wish I was born earlier to meet you but I always know that you were kind loving and always cared fly high grandpa -Aria
Sage Rodriguez
December 18, 2022
Hello Grandpa!
It's hard to believe that the last time I wrote on this page was October 4, 2012. It was such a short and simple message, but I've grown and aged so much from then to now. During the time of that post, I was 10 years old. I was merely a child who barely understood the world's inner workings. But if I´m being truthful? I was avoiding visiting your grave. I've known you were gone for quite some time, but I didn´t want to unpack the underlying feelings that could come from physically seeing your name on the stone. However, despite my constant mental battle, the other day I did. I saw your grave and every emotion hiding deep down flooded my mind like an overpowering waterfall. I´m unsure of what drew me to write a message for you here. I just felt a strong need and urge to update you, to tell you how I´ve been, and to perhaps face my own emotions of losing you whilst doing so.
To start, whenever you come up in conversation you´re always referenced as my second dad. I´ll be honest, the memories I once had of you have begun to fade. However, I´d never let them truly leave my mind. My fondest memory and one I frequently retell is one of you inviting me to come to help you wash your car on a random afternoon. It was coincidental because that same day I argued with my parents. I really needed a way out of the house that day. I remember going and helping you clean it, then you had to go get your medicine from the pharmacy down the street. I saw a pillow pet at said pharmacy, and man did I want that stuffed animal. I picked it up and hugged the frog pillow pet and you grabbed it straight out of my hands and despite Grandma Cathy´s protests, you bought it for me. I´m unsure where the pillow pet is now, but I do remember having it for years post your passing, and I frequently slept with it in bed. I might go looking for it, now that I´m moved out of my parent's house.
I guess now´s the portion where I tell you about my life, huh? Well, I´m currently enrolled in college, studying communications. I know, I know, I can hear your voice now saying "You didn´t use those golden pipes of yours?" I tried! I´ll let you know, I always wanted to sing professionally, it just wasn´t something feasible long-term for me. I still try to sing at any point I can. It´s probably the strongest passion I have to this day. I´ve moved out and live independently now; I still rely on my parents on occasion, but hey! I´m doing my best as a 20-year-old college student that´s living alone. Well, I guess I can't fully say I live alone. I live with my partner Chris! He´s such a unique, kind, and accepting person, he treats me right, and I think and hope you´d approve of him. I also have two cats (Felicia and Wicket), a gecko (Peatree), and a pet bunny(Tidbit)! All of them are doing amazing and I love them very much. I´m 3 years into college and I have one more to go! I´ve been persistent and have even gotten on the Dean´s List once. When I tell you that was the most exhilarating thing, it felt like I was finally getting my life together, one piece at a time. With that, yes! That means I overcame my negative study and school habits and have become quite the student if I do say so myself. I usually maintain an A and B average in every class I take, despite the difficulty.
There have been a lot of people I used to be close with that I am no longer close with. Whether it was a falling out, a disagreement, or we simply just drifted apart, I´ve grown to value myself. I no longer let anyone take advantage, or walk all over me like I used to. I´ve become strong, and independent, just like you always taught me to be. There have been numerous heartbreaking losses within my social circle, losses that took years to fully heal. If I´m being honest Grandpa? I don´t think I´ve even healed from them at this point. However, I´ve realized and come to learn that if someone steps out of your life, you don´t beg for them to stay. You don´t need a reason why a person wants to leave. If they made that decision, you simply accept it and let them walk away.
I´ve let myself slowly transform into the person I always meant to be, into my ideal self. I´m now the version of myself that looks in the mirror and smiles. There have been hard moments, believe me, I was struggling for quite some time. However, I´ve overcome even my darkest moments, and at this point in my life, I feel as if I´ve truly blossomed into the individual I was always meant to be. I´ll be the first one to admit, that despite leading a semi-privileged life, My life thus far has been filled with the wildest speedbumps. As long as you take it slow and steady, no speed bump should stop you from continuing to drive. As a matter of a fact, over time you even get better at driving too! On occasion, the thought passes my mind if I´ve made you proud. I think I´m finally in a position to say, thus far I have made you proud Grandpa. Believe me, I will continue to do everything in my power to continue making you proud. I´ve done everything I can to love the people around me and share as much kindness as I can in this harsh world, just as you once did. I love you, Grandpa. Thank you for influencing my life the way you have thus far. Thank you for always watching over me and having my back, even if I forget you´re there sometimes. I miss you more than words can describe.
Your Granddaughter,
Christopher Garcia
February 12, 2014
Happy Birthday Manuel. So many questions about so much and the I am missing the one man with the answers to everything. It's like I try to get all these opinions from everyone but it's never enough because I am missing the opinion of the person that always knew and mattered. Happy birthday and drink one for me today.
Christopher Garcia
March 31, 2013
Happy Easter Grandpa. Just catching up with the family. Wishing you were here but get the sense that you are. Everything is good. We miss you dearly. Love you.
Yvette Markovic
February 12, 2013
Today is your birthday Grandpa and although you are not here on earth to celebrate it with us we are celebrating for you. I got you a cake today banana, strawberry and "whippy' cream as you would say. I left the top blank just plain white no writing just white like the heaven above. When I am at work I hear that song on the radio that makes me think of you. Its the same song that played on the day you passed and the same song my alarm clock played when it went off on the day of your wake and funeral. I have always loved that song but it now has a special meaning for me. We all miss you very much. I want you to know mama is making it just like you said she would. I could see the sadness in her eyes today as we talked about you. She misses you as we all do. Until we see one another again.... We Love You!!!
Jessy
January 21, 2013
Today's your great grandsons Birthday and I know you're smiling down upon him. Man I wish you were here and I still hear your voice and see your smile in my dreams. I will never forget the lessons you taught me. Please continue to look after me like you always have. It's hard without you here to give me advice and keep me laughing but you'll always be in my heart. I love you Grandpa and I miss you terribly.
Andy
January 9, 2013
Watch over all of us.You are truely missed!
Christopher Garcia
December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas Grandpa! I'm sure Christmas in heaven is indescribable and your sense of humor and heart is making an impact up there. You are in your family's thoughts as we honor your memory this Christmas. You don't have to worry about Mom because we have some new and fun things planned that will give her some great memories this year. I know you will always be right there with us. Hope your first Christmas in heaven is one you will never forget. I love you and miss you.
Christopher Garcia
November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving Grandpa, We miss you especially on days like today. I know you would have wanted all of us together today. Love you.
Sage Rodriguez
October 4, 2012
Grandpa sorry i am writing again and so late but I know i did not say it a lot but I love you And i know everybody loves you just as much as i do.I miss your Funny jokes,kisses,smile,and so much more so... i know ill see you again.
Love Your Little Grandson
Christopher Garcia
August 26, 2012
Well Grandpa you continue to surprise us and set the example from beyond. You gave yet another moment that we will all remember. There were some tears because we all realized and understood that this was your last gift to us all. The tears quickly turned to smiles and gratitude as we searched my heads on ways to honor your wishes. The evidence was overwhelming that this was more than gift to us. There are talks of wedding which is proof that your family is making believers out of the world. Echoes and questions of, “What should I do with my life” filled the air. Your desire for us to do what we want is the next the chapter and I have feeling there will be some great highlights ahead. I will continue to tell you all about it and although I don't have a specific memory in mind at the moment, I want to thank you in advance as our stories unfold.
Christopher Garcia
June 16, 2012
It's been difficult. I still look for you right next to mother. I still say the best stories haven't been told about you. It's Father's Day Eve and I think about what I would give up to be able to wish you just one more Happy Father's Day in person. I get lost in my thoughts. I get lost in my memories. The family misses you and I know you are right there at every event. Watching the girls graduate and seeing everyone become stronger. You are watching over us like you always have. I miss you most on days like this. It's really not a Happy Father's Day this year because you are not here and that's the truth and how I feel. I want to wish you a Happy Father's day but most of all I want to wish you were here for one more story, for one more moment. I love you Manuel and I know you didn't like it when my head was down. I can hear you saying, "Better Days are Coming Son." The best stories haven't been told.
Yvette Markovic
May 27, 2012
"Grandpa" as we all called you I do not know where to begin. Your passing has been very hard for me and I have not been able to get here until today. You were a most loved and loving man who always thought of others before himself. Your heart was made of pure gold and you were always willing to give advice like only you could. My heart will never be the same as a piece of it you took with you. My Father, a man who was honored to carry that title. I thank you for being a loving part of our lives for as long as we had you. Don't worry about mom (as you always did) she will be fine, we promise. "I Love You More" Until we meet again…
Your Daughter,
Yvette
Tina Quintero
May 21, 2012
To Cathy...Savie...Angie n all the family...our deepest sympathies on the passing of Manuel. He was always a kind n funny man n i enjoyed his wisdom n stories he shared with me on occasion. I/we will never forget him. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers...Till we see u again Manuel....Love Tina, Manuel, Manny, Brianna n Michael
Barbara Wilburn-Johnson
May 21, 2012
To the Rodriguez family; I extend my heartfelt sympathy to each of you. May God continued to strengthen you during this time.
"E.C. Roosevelt Class of 1966"
Andrew Malerich
May 20, 2012
Wow.. Not sure where to begin!! Too many things going through my mind right now. So I will just simply say you were like a father to me. I looked up to you, Valued your wisdom and patience!! There are soo many stories I carry in my heart that I would love to share with everyone but there is not enough room here for that. I know you treated me like a son and have been there for me when you knew it mattered. You brought me in and treated me like family since I was a skinny little columbia center kid. I miss those days when Savie and me would be working on a car or building something and you would hang out just to talk with us!!! You always treated us like friends and not just kids!!! I know we tested your patience at times but you had a way of turning those adolescent situations into life learning lessons for us instead of coming down on us and sending us down the wrong path. You did your best to make our lives special and helped me to be a better person.You were always a unique person and was loved by many!! There will never be another YOU for US !! love ya!!!
Andy
Look at us! Twinning it up!:)
Xaundra Rodriguez
May 20, 2012
Hey Grandpa,
It's crazy... I never though I would have to talk to you without you physically standing hear next to me, listening to every word with an open heart. I know you ARE listening, but it's so difficult to speak when you're not hear to crack a joke at something I silly say.
I have keep reminding myself that you wouldn't want me crying for you though... You'd much rather see me smiling right now. In a sense, this gives me unimaginable comfort. I keep hearing "you look just like him!", and "the resemblance is uncanny!" and I just keep gleaming knowing that its just another part of you I will hold with me forever. It almost feels like since we look so much alike when I'm smiling, so are you! I guess it's silly things that comfort a person in times of distress... But hey, it helps.
So, I guess I'll be seeing you on the flip side, huh? Well, you can wait, I'm sure. After all, a life time is only a drop in the sea of eternity.
See you soon, I love you grandpa!
~~~ Your little clone
Maria Colabawala
May 20, 2012
In our hearts and on our minds
precious moments of all kinds
greatly loved, and blessed from above
you were a gift that everyone loved!
May 19, 2012
May God continue to Bless and Keep all of you at this time of sorrow!!! My prayers are with you each day!! Classmate of E.C. Roosevelt(1966)
Mary A. Williams(Gary,Ind)
Roseann (Rodriguez 1968) Stabolito
May 19, 2012
To the Rodriguez family, my deepest sympathy. I remember Manuel and his sisters from high school. H e was always a wonderful person and will be missed.
Debbie Spikes
May 19, 2012
To the Rodriguez Family,
God has taken Manuel home to be with him and he has sent his angels to comfort each of you in your time of sorrow.Cherish all of the wonderful memories that you have when your hearts are heavy to get you through the trying times.
May 19, 2012
Dear Rodriguez my thoughts and prayers are with you's. I knew manuel and his family when iwas thridteen years old. Manuel was friends with my brothers,Robert and Phil Stabolito. he was always nice to me. He always had a smile. Mary(stabolito) melendez. 702-418-7557
May 19, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Dolores Bennett El (E.C. Roosevelt Class of 1966)
Rudy & Donna Pena
May 19, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sage Rodriguez
May 19, 2012
Grandpa when i see your face there is not a thing that i would change because your amazing just the way you are.
Your only grandson,
oralia jimenez
May 19, 2012
Manuel I will love you for ever,you where my X-Husband and the best friend any body could have,THANK-YOU for giving me a beautiful son whom I adore REST IN PEACE MY SWEET MAN
Morris Blackmon
May 19, 2012
To: Manuel family my heartfelt condolence go to
" The class of E.C. Roosevelt 1966 "
Mary Monteleone
May 19, 2012
Dear Cathy (my sister) & family, We will miss Manuel very dearly. Our deepest sympathy to you all. We're here for you and that's what family is all about. Love, The Monteleone's (Mary,Tony,Veronica, & Cepriana)
Veronica Monteleone
May 19, 2012
Dear Tia Cathy & family, I am in shock that Tio Manuel passed away. I know he's up in heaven smiling down upon all of you. I miss you Tio Manuel and love you very much. Rest in peace. Love your sobrina always, Veronica Marie Monteleone
Andy & Miriana Callas
May 19, 2012
Family of Manuel Rodriguez,
Kathy, let me say that words seam so meaningless at a time like this, but Miriana and I want you to know how much we hurt with you. The news of Manuel's passing was a shock to us, and we are grieving his passing with you. A good man who will be missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
May your memories soothe you, your friends comfort you, and your family's strength help your hearts begin to heal. May the love you shared sustain you through this time of sorrow.
May God place Manuel among His righteous, and grant you all strength at this time of sorrow. Rest in the knowledge that Manuel is wrapped in His everlasting arms. Please accept our deepest sympathy. We send all our love to your wonderful family.
May 18, 2012
To one of the most beautiful human beings to walk the earth. I would just like to thank you for being such a loving, caring, and wonderful grandfather, father- in -law and dad. Although our hearts are all breaking to see you go, we were so blessed to have you in our lives for all the years we did. Until we meet again, I love you and I will never forget you. Your daughter in law. Angie
Manuel Rodriguez
May 18, 2012
Pa. You have once again taught me a lesson in life. That its to short and your never to old to say I love you. You are the man I will always look up to and thank you for being my father and never giving up on me.
Until we meet again
Love
Your son
Ashley Rodriguez
May 18, 2012
Never did I think you'd become only a memory. Never in a million years did I think I'd only be able to see your smile when I close my eyes. I thank you for everything you taught me because without you I wouldn't be who I am today. I refuse to say goodbye to you because saying "goodbye" is forever and I know I'll see you again. So, I'll be seeing you!! I Love you so much Grandpa! --Your number 1
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