Gonzalo "Rod" Rodriguez

Gonzalo “Rod” Herrera Rodriguez, 96, of Prescott, died peacefully on Monday February 24, 2025 at his daughter’s home where he has resided for the past two years. He was born on January 10, 1929 in Enid, Oklahoma to Rafael Rodriguez and Elisa (Herrera) Rodriguez. He graduated from Enid High School in 1947, and later moved to California to pursue music. Music was one of his biggest passions, starting at 14 when he first started playing the saxophone. Gonzalo won awards for his playing, which led him to work various part time jobs to support his music. Starting with the intentions of playing jazz, Gonzalo played western music for years at military clubs throughout the southwest- opening shows for Bill Anderson, Sonny James, Marty Robbins, and others. Besides his music he worked other various jobs. While living in California, he married Marilyn Graham, and they later moved to Arizona, where they lived for twenty years before Marilyn’s passing in 2023. Throughout his life, Gonzalo was a busy man with many hobbies. He enjoyed watching Lawrence Welk, reading books, doing word searches, putting together models of planes and old-time cars, wood projects, and most recently making small models with wine corks. 

Gonzalo is survived by his three daughters, Deborah Gloria, of Chula Vista, CA., Diana (Bruce) Rasmussen of Prescott, WI., Denise Van Deusen of Hager City, WI; grandchildren Jay Perez, Sunshine Gloria, Nicole Lindquist, Dan Lindey, Missy Filkins, Crissy (Allen) Knowles; and great grandchildren Anna, Abby, Pete, Andy, Peyton and one sister Elisa Malone, of California.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Elisa; siblings Rudy Rodriguez, Rosa Morgan, Mercedes Cannon; grandson Marcus Perez; and son-in-law, Larry Van Deusen.

Private family graveside will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Red Wing. Funeral arrangements are by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.