Alfonzo S. Rodriguez Sr.

Alfonzo S. Rodriguez Sr., 94, died November 10, 2016 at the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center.

Services were held on Saturday, November 19 at the Belmond United Methodist Church. Burial took place at Glenwood Cemetery in Goldfield.

Alfonzo was born on December 26, 1921 to Ysidro and Lousia Rodriguez at the family home in Clarion. Al grew up in and attended school in Clarion. He enlisted in the Navy on June 9, 1942 and served as a gunners mate on the Howell E. Jackson. On September 23, 1945 he was honorably discharged. Because of serving in the Navy, Al did not graduate from high school. In 2005 he received an honorary diploma from Clarion High School.

On June 27, 1942 Al was united in marriage with Betty Beisell. The couple lived in Goldfield and was blessed with two children. After serving in the Navy, Al worked as a brakeman and fireman on the Chicago Great Western Railroad. In 1949 he drove trucks for W & H Coop in Goldfield. In 1961 Al drove trucks for Morton Frozen Foods for nine years. After that he drove a milk truck for the Goldfield Creamery until 1981.

For many years Al and Betty spent winters in Arizona and summers in Iowa. He was an avid golfer and sports fan. Al was a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and Iowa Hawkeye fan. Al was a barbershop music enthusiast. He was a member of the Goldfield United Methodist Church, American Legion of Goldfield Post #370, and Oakridge Golf and Country Club.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Betty; two brothers; and three sisters.

Al is survived by his daughter Dew Ann (Ronald) Elkin of Great Falls, MT; son Al S. Jr. (Jan) Rodriguez of Belmond; grandchildren Dr. Chad (Dr. Carrie Ann) Elkin of Great Falls, Scott Elkin of Great Falls, Rochelle (Don) Triggs of North Liberty, and Kristin (Steve) Randall of North Liberty; great-grandchildren Adam Elkin, Julia Elkin, Kendra Triggs, Kaelyn Triggs, Karsten Triggs, Dane Randall and Trey Randall; brothers Jesse (Dee) Rodriguez of Sylmar, CA, Frank Rodriguez of Clarion, and Manuel Rodriguez of Clarion; sisters Esther Pohlman of Clarion, and Cecilia (Alan) Pond of Swisher; sister-in-law Alice Espe of Clarion; and special friend Phyllis Stupka of Clarion.