Rodolfo ‘Rudy’ Martinez

Rodolfo ‘Rudy’ Martinez

Feb. 20, 1942 – Oct. 2, 2020

Rodolfo “Rudy” Martinez, 78, of Hawarden, Iowa, passed away on Friday, Oct. 2, 2020. 

Rudy was born Feb. 20, 1942, in Lovell. He was the son of Francisco and Juana (Velasquez) Martinez. He had seven brothers and three sisters. 

Rudy graduated from Lovell High School in 1960. He went on to serve in the Army National Guard and attended St. Paul Vocational Technical College. He moved to Hawarden and was a dedicated supervisor at Iowa Lamb Corporation from 1987-2011. Coworkers admired him for his wisdom, work ethic and precision and for being a friend to all. 

Rudy was blessed with three children, Randy, Brenda and Abby. He enjoyed going out to eat with his family and sharing stories (He always had a good one.), reminiscing about days on his farm and spending time with all of his grandchildren. 

Rudy loved socializing with people of all ages, and could talk for hours on a variety of topics ranging from politics to sports. He was a tough and strong-willed man, but whether he knew you for 20 years or 20 minutes, he would give you the shirt off of his back. 

Rudy was an avid fan of the Denver Broncos and could frequently be seen sporting their gear, such as sunglasses and windbreakers, while walking around town. He was very devout in his faith and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hawarden. 

Survivors include his son Randy (Amy) Martinez of Sioux Falls, S.D.; daughters Brenda Martinez of Mansfield, Ohio, and Abigail (Ignacio) Hernandez of Sioux Center, Iowa; brother Jesse Martinez of Lovell; sister Rose Cantrell of Lakewood, Colo.; nine grandchildren, Ryan (Jess) Martinez, Dominique Granger, William Donathon, Elizabeth Donathon, Jalen Topete, Brayden Topete, Masie Hernandez and Trayten Hernandez; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A Rosary will take place Friday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lovell. A memorial mass will be held Saturday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s (masks required) with a burial with military honors to follow at 11 a.m. at the Lovell Cemetery.

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