Roderick Reuben Hernandez

1950 - 2021

Hernandez, Roderick Reuben

April 23, 1950 - February 14, 2021

Roderick Reuben Hernandez, age 70 of Omaha, NE, died in his sleep on February 14th, 2021 at his home surrounded by family and his beloved dog Sadie. He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Johnny Mac and Ramona Hernandez; his parents, Reuben and Julia Hernandez; his sister, Marta Hernandez; and his brother, Michael Hernandez. He is survived by his loving wife, Pamela (nee Alfrey of Omaha, NE); his three daughters: Kari and Nick Clawson (Salem, OR), Alise and Ramon Guzman (Bellevue, NE), and Chelsea Hernandez (Estes Park, CO); two grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Ian Clawson; his sisters, Linda Hernandez (Denver, CO), Maria Hernandez (Coos Bay, OR); his brother, Robert Hernandez (Colorado Springs, CO); his godfather, Eduardo Hernandez (Oakdale, CA); and many lifelong friends.

Born and raised in Lincoln, NE, a son of former Mexican migrant farm workers, he devoted his life to education, politics, and Chicano art and advancement. He was the first in his family to receive a college degree. During his time at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he was one of the founders of the Mexican American Student Association (MASA), was the Vice-president of ASUN, taught with the High School Equivalency Program (HEP) and as a student-teacher at Lincoln High, advocated for better college preparedness for Black, Indigenous and students of color. Throughout his life Rod was passionate about the arts, becoming an active glassblower and jeweler in the Omaha art community. In his retirement he volunteered at the Joslyn Art Museum, and supported El Museo Latino in Omaha, NE.

Due to his lifelong commitment to education advancement, in lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools for the establishment of the Roderick Reuben Hernandez Legacy Scholarship, which will be used to help first-generation Latinx students of Lincoln High School pursue secondary education. Donations may also be made online at foundationforlps.org. Please include his name with any memorials given.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home at a later date due to COVID-19 restrictions.

LINCOLN MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME

6800 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68512

(402) 423-1515 | lincolnfh.com