Miriam Jean Rodriguez

Miriam, or “Merme” to those closest to her, was born November 14, 1937 in Hudsonville, Michigan to Art and Alma Wolbrink, the first of their five children. The young family lived for a time in Traverse City, Michigan before settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

It was in Milwaukee that Miriam met the love of her life, a young GI from Dodge City, Kansas named L David Rodriguez. They eloped on July 2, 1960, and began a life together spanning six states and sixty years, a time in which they raised four kids and never stopped loving, needing or leaning on one another.

Together, they travelled from Milwaukee to Wellington, Kansas, where they began their family. From there, they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where their family grew a lot more, then on to Amarillo, Texas. They felt most at-home, however, in Glenwood, Illinois, with a brief move to San Bernardino, California along the way.

Miriam is survived by her devoted husband, David, and their four children, Teresa (Tim) Kistner of St John, Indiana, Patrick (Sheila) Rodriguez of Viroqua, Wisconsin, Greg (Kate) Rodriguez of Bloomington, Illinois, and Eric (Denise) Rodriguez of Clarendon Hills, Illinois, as well as fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brother, Mark Wolbrink, of New Braunfels, Texas, sisters Rosemary Wolbrink of Marinette, Wisconsin, Roz Slawson of Cary, North Carolina and her most-favored sister, Pam (Bill) Klug of Burlington, Wisconsin.

Due to the difficulties involved at this time the family has no plans for a service. A celebration of life will be planned for a time in which it may be safely held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Miriam’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or another charity of your choice.