Jose E. "The Mojarra" Rodriguez, 84, of Grand Island, NE died Monday, July 29, 2024, at Grand Island Regional Medical Center with family at his side.  Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, August 2, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral.  The Rev. Jorge Canela will be the celebrant.  Interment will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church with a rosary recited at 10 a.m.  Memorials are suggested to the family for designation at a later date.  You are encouraged to sign Jose's guestbook at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under his obituary.  Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Jose was born May 9, 1940, at General Teran-San Rafael. Nevo Leon, Mexico.  He is the son of Pedro Rodriguez and Maria Sofia Barrera.  He received his education in Mexico before immigrating to the United States on November 21, 1963, as a United States Citizen, which he was extremely proud of.  He married Beatrice Noriega on June 15, 1968, in Grand Island, NE.  To this union four children were born, Jose, Anita, Sofia, and Holly.  Jose worked at the Turkey plant in Gibbon and later Diers Motors as a mechanic before joining Case New Holland.  Jose met his soul mate, best friend, and love of his life, Judy Schweitzer in July of 1982.  They married on April 28, 1990, in Grand Island, NE.  Jose welcomed Judy's three children, Shelly, Terry, and Julie, into his life.  He retired from Case New Holland in 1998 after 23 years of service.  In his retirement he worked for Anderson Ford for 13 years.

Jose loved thoroughbred horse racing and attended live racing whenever he had the opportunity.  He was a Nebraska Husker fan and enjoyed listening and dancing to Mexican music with Judy.  He was especially proud of his grandchildren and being called grandpa!

Jose will be missed by his wife of 34 years, Judy Rodriguez of Grand Island, NE

Son, Joe (Krista) Rodriguez of Lincoln, NE

Daughters, Anita (Guillermo) Gonzalez of Grand Island, NE

Sofia (Nick) Gologan of Omaha, NE

Holly (Donnie) Cadwalader of Grand Island, NE

Step-children, Terry (Caresse) Schweitzer of Grand Island, NE

Julie (Mike) Knehans of Grand Island, NE

Brother, David (Gloria) Rodriguez of McAllen, TX

Sister-in-law, Maria del Patrocinio Montalvo Gonzalez of Mexico

Others left to cherish his memory include his grandchildren, Ariella Maldonado, Che' and Neive Rodriguez, Daniela Gologan, Emilyn and Bella Cadwalader, step-grandchildren, Tyler and Cody Kroeger and Cody Harm, two great step-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jose is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Oscar Rodriguez, step-daughter, Shelly Schweitzer, and brother-in-law Vernon Browitt.