Juan Alonso Rodriguez passed away on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the age of 84.

Juan was born on April 17, 1938 in La Piedad, Michoacan, Mexico. He was raised on a little rancho named “El Pandillo” with his 7 siblings.

At the age of 19 he married the love of his life Esther Rodriguez. Together they started a family and soon Juan realized he wanted more for them so he migrated to the United States in search of a better life. He started out working in agriculture and saved up enough money to bring his wife and three kids to America. He continued working in agriculture in Southern California but shortly moved his family to Humboldt county to work in the lumber industry. Juan and Esther had an additional three kids while living in Eureka, where they also purchased their first home.

Juan was a hard worker and was always looking for new opportunities. In 1983 Juan and Esther opened a Mexican restaurant in Arcata named Alcapulco. It was a family-run business with the help of their children.

In 1992, once all their children were grown, they moved to Fortuna. Juan loved to stay active and he walked around town almost every morning. Everyone always recognized him because he always wore his cowboy hat. One of Juan’s passions was gardening and he would grow tomatoes and other vegetables. He would sell to local restaurants and family friends. Juan was very well known for his kindness and hard work. He was always willing to help any friend or family member. Juan was a family man who enjoyed family gatherings. He will always be remembered by his warm smile, his sense of humor, love for dancing/singing to mariachi music and most of all the love he had for his family.

Juan was preceded in death by his parents Ysidoro and Concepcion, brothers Joaquin and Ramon, sisters Francisca, Guadalupe, Dolores and Consuelo and his grandchild Jesse. He is survived by his wife Esther; sister Carmen; children Ramon, Concepcion (Ron), Gustavo (Lupita), Johnny (Sarah), Joaquin (Sheri) and Jose (Lea); grandchildren Erica (Juan),Monica, Veronica, Alex, Anthony, Hunter, Ariana, Destiny, Natalie, Cecilia, Preslee and Cruz; great-granddaughters Sophia and Jasmine.

A rosary for Juan is planned for Friday, October 21, 2022 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary on 560 12th Street Fortuna. A mass will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 12 p.m. at St Joseph Church on 810 14th St. Fortuna. Reception to follow.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Juan Rodriguez’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.