Lee Rodriguez Jr.

On Thursday, August 30, 2018, Lee Rodriguez Jr, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones. Lee was 86 years old and passed peacefully after a brief illness.

Lee was born in Merced, California on April 8, 1932 to Lee and Dora Rodriguez. He was raised on the family vineyard that his parents started in Turlock, California. After Lee’s parents passed, he took over the vineyard and continued farming the property until his death. The ranch has become a staple in the lives of many. Lee’s siblings, cousins, children and grandchildren remember growing up on the property. Most of the family and several special friends have worked the fields, picked the grapes, and of course made a few bottles of wine.

Lee’s most proud and honored accomplishment was his service to his country during the Korean War. Friends and family were honored to hear his stories and learn of his dedication to his country. Throughout his life, Lee has been very active with the Turlock Veterans of Foreign War. He was also dedicated to honoring fellow veterans on their passing by volunteering with the VFW as a proud member of the color guard.

Lee’s 32-year career with the United States Postal Service was also an important part of his life. He worked up the ranks from mail carrier and clerk to his esteemed position as the Turlock Postmaster. During his career, he mentored and formed numerous lifelong friends. Three of those friends served as family to him, and were instrumental in helping him through his final months.

Lee loved working on his ranch, fishing, collecting records and jukeboxes, cooking and playing with his dogs. His love for fishing and camping was passed on to his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. As a tradition, he took his family camping, and taught them to fish, while creating irreplaceable memories. Anyone who knew him can attest to his joy of cooking an excellent meal, putting records on the jukebox, dancing, laughing and having a cold beer together. He will live on in the fond memories of so many who enjoyed a barbeque or get together at Lee’s ranch.

Lee is proceeded in death by his parents, Lee and Dora Rodriguez, sister Evelyn and wife Elfrieda “Freddy”. He is survived by his daughters, Cathey Hughes (Bob) and Tera Straker, grandchildren Darrick Moitoso (Jackie), Hannah Hughes (Tony), Taylor Hughes, Jeron and Cameron Straker, great grandchildren Ethan and Brenna Moitoso, sisters Helen Kopecki, Lillian Matusak and Grace Conner, multiple cousins, nieces, nephews, and dogs Beau and Buddy.

Services will be held in the chapel at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson, California on September 14, 2018 at 2pm. After a brief graveside service, the family invites all guests to celebrate Lee’s life at his beloved ranch. In lieu of flowers, please donate in honor of Lee Rodriguez to

Turlock VFW

1405 E. Linwood Ave.

Turlock, CA 95380