Gerald "Jerry" Rodriguez

Gerald "Jerry" Rodriguez, 58, of Fargo, ND, passed away Saturday, January 5, 2019, in Sanford Health, Fargo. Jerry was born on May 23, 1960, to Juan and Gloria (Salazar) Rodriguez in Moorhead, MN. He grew up on a farm just outside Sabin, MN, moving to Moorhead when the family lost their home in the 1975 flood.

Jerry graduated from Moorhead High School in 1979. He worked at Safelite Auto Glass for nearly 30 years, until 2009. He was united in marriage to Julie Kuehl on June 9, 1984, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Moorhead. He lived in Moorhead much of his life, but had moved to Fargo after his divorce on October 23, 2009, after 25 years of marriage.

In high school, Jerry was an athlete and participated in football, track, cross-country, diving, and wrestling. He was also active in FFA. In his adult years, he enjoyed playing softball for many years and also being an umpire, coach, and a volunteer at the concession stands. He also liked to bowl and golf.

Jerry was a passionate volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years, serving in numerous pack, troop, council, and regional roles such as Regional C.O.P.E. Course Inspector, Assistant Council Commissioner, District Commissioner, Unit Commissioner, Assistant Scoutmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, and Venture Crew Committee Member. He was awarded the Silver Beaver in 2003, and also the Distinguished Commissioner Award. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow and enjoyed being a part of the "Old Goat Patrol" and the Camp Wilderness Alumni. He had also been a member of the Moorhead Optimist club and volunteered with the Trinity/St. Joseph's Thanksgiving dinners for many years.

Jerry loved to trade patches and was a stickler for Scout uniforms. He could often be heard saying "tuck it in or take it off." He loved to tease and hand out nicknames, all in good fun. He was proud of his boys and loved them very much. He had an infectious, often impish, smile. He was always willing to help and never afraid to try.

Sadly, Jerry suffered numerous health issues much of his life but he always met his challenges with strength and cheerfulness. He was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at age 25, and suffered kidney failure in 2005. He received a transplant in 2006, but unfortunately it was rejected four years later. His eyes first began to give him trouble in 2003, and he continued to have difficulty with them, losing much of his eyesight. Through all his challenges, he faced them with bravery and cheerfulness and would be the one doing his best to do a good turn daily and brighten the day for his fellow patients or the medical professionals he interacted with.

Jerry is survived by his sons, Kyle Rodriguez, Fargo, and Taylor Rodriguez, Moorhead; sister, Kris Gonzales (Walter Whitfield), Fort Worth, TX; brothers, Johnnie Rodriguez, Fargo, Robert Rodriguez, Minneapolis, MN, and Alonzo Rodriguez, Moorhead; nephews, Stacey, Ryan, Nicholas, Eric, Dominic, Jonathan, and Chaz; niece, Lynne Marie; and his former wife, Julie Kuehl, Fargo; along with countless fellow Scouters and other friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Gloria Rodriguez; and sisters, Blanca Rodriguez and Melinda Rodriguez.

Jerry Rodriguez and his infectious smile and cheerfulness will be greatly missed but will live on in our memories. "Scout salute!"

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Friends of Scouting Program.

Visitation for Jerry will be Monday, January 14, 2019, from 5 - 7 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead. His funeral will be Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at 11 AM, in Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead. Burial will be in Prairie Home Cemetery, Moorhead.