John A. Rodrigue, age 58, of St. Francis died October 7, 2012 at home. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 12th at St. Francis United Methodist Church with Rev. Diane Nelson officiating. A visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 P.M. Thursday, October 11th at Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel. Reviewal only Thursday at the funeral home.
John Alphonse Rodrigue was born in Forest Lake on November 10, 1953 to Joseph and Dorothy (Hauble) Rodrigue. He was raised in Forest Lake and the surrounding area. John served in the Army with a short amount of time overseas. On June 16, 1984 he married Jeanne Halver and they made their home in St. Paul. In 1995 they moved to St. Francis. John owned a mechanical drafting and design business for 15 years. In 1997 he started hobby farming. His hobby farm consisted of pigs, chickens and his pride was his exotic double muscle Piedmontese cattle. John was a member of the St. Francis United Methodist Church. He loved his family, living off of the land, cutting wood, gardening, canning and growing raspberries. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family at the cabin, fishing with all the kids, and visiting the “secret lake”. He had an inventive mind and always tried something new. When traveling, he always took the “scenic route”.
John Rodrigue died unexpectedly on October 7, 2012 at his home at the age of 58 years, 10 months and 27 days. John was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne of St. Francis; 4 children, Jeffery W. (Amy) Rodrigue of Joliet, Illinois, Rebecca J. (Eric) Kreiner of Oak Grove, Johanna (Geoffrey) Rich of St. Michael, Bethany (Andrew) Serre of Foxboro, Wisconsin; 3 grandchildren, Alexander John, Rosalie, Emilia; step-mother, Jane; 4 brothers, Rich, Bob, Steve and Bill; 2 sisters, Linda and Ann; and by many other relatives and friends.
Dear Jeanne & Family –
I can’t begin to know what to say at this time of great loss & sorrow! May you lean on God, family & friends to help you through this very difficult time. You are in my thoughts & prayers!
Jan Gilpin
Becca and Family,
I am very sorry to hear about your dad.
Jessie
Dear Jeanne, Becca, Bethany, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I heard the news on my way home from staying with family, after burying my Dad just a few days earlier. As tears ran down my face, my first thought was that God was calling his saints home early. I loved John as the kind, joyful, and honorable guy that he was. My Dad’s passing was after great pain and discomfort, so I rejoice that John did not have to suffer greatly to receive his place in heaven, but this world is diminished by his passing. I will remember him, and my thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Dear Jeane and family
When I heard of Johns passing I felt as if I was punched in the stomach it knocked the wind out of me. I am so sorry for your loss. it is a loss for all of us that knew and loved John.I have memories that go back to when we 5 years old on the farm sharing lifes adventures and growing up together.I can still hear that hearty laugh when he was amused by the practical jokes we played on each other. He could always see the light side of life. He will be missed by all of us.
My condolences Jeanne to you and your family. Baily has fond memories of spending time there visiting the the animals and my dad is gonna miss him terribly.
We will see you Friday.
Jeanne and family,
I was so sad to hear about John’s sudden death. As we all pray for you I know God will comfort you and be with you during this unbelieveable tough time.
Sandy and Dave Olson
Jeanne and Family, I was shocked to hear of Johns passing. Please know that you are loved by many and your not alone.
Jeanne and family, So very sorry to hear about John’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all and memories go back to him being on our tug of war team at Long Ville day’s going way back when the kids were very young. I remember his hearty laugh and joyful attitude. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Jeanne and Family,
Alicia and I are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We sincerely wish we could be there for you now but please know we are there in thought and prayer. I have no doubt that his legacy will live on and that we’ll never forget what a great husband, father, and friend he was.
God Bless,
Rex & Alicia
We are so sorry to hear of Johns passing and our hearts and prayers are with your entire family. He was a cool guy and I loved talking hobby farming with him. He was great help and a pleasure to work along side as a trustee at the church. God bless you all.
Kevin & Carolyn
Dear Rodrigue Family-
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many memories of John on the farm. He gave me my first Holstein heifer calf 40 years ago or so. His son Jeffery, my nephew, looks and sounds just like I remember John. Keep your memories in your heart as you go forward.
Toni Sower-Christensen
My family and I loved getting to know the Rodrigues! I felt closest to John. John had a quiet strength in his manor. Back in the day when I was involved with taking care of this place, I knew I could always count of John. We worked together on everything from the roof down to the heating pipes in the tunnel. He was always happy to make this place better for all to enjoy.
My family and I always enjoyed visiting the Rodrigues farm; John would showoff the animals the way my Swedish grandmother would show her garden by telling about each thing, then admiring it with long periods of silence and in so doing, reflecting on the mystery of life and the beauty in the world.
One proud moment with John that happened a Long time ago, I told John I thought I would lose my job, he immediately countered with I think you would be an asset to my business. This eased my mind and made me thankful for his confidence in me.
In closing, I am thankful for our friendship, I loved John’s devotion to family and friends and when I think of John. I hear his hearty laugh and see his big smile.