Jesus Rodelo

Jesus Rodelo, 73, of Othello, died Wednesday, July 25, 2007, at Sacred Heart Medical Center, with his family at his side.

Jesus was born on Aug. 16, 1936, in Durango, Mexico, to Severiano and Herminia (Ochoa) Rodelo; he was the oldest of seven. He was raised in Durango, and at the age of 18 enlisted in the Mexican armed forces, where he achieved the rank of first sergeant. After his discharge he moved with his entire family to Monterey, Nuevo Leone, Mexico, where he worked in the glass refinery. Jesus joined the Braseros, contract labor from Mexico to the United States. He moved to Combos, Texas, where he worked as a Caterpillar operator in construction. While shopping at the general store, Jesus met Lucia Rendon. They were married on July 10, 1958.

Jesus was a jack-of-all-trades; there was really nothing mechanical that he could not do. With his many talents he was seldom without work. From Combos, the family moved to Mercedes, Texas, where he and Lucia raised their family. Jesus worked in construction, on a cotton gin, driving a truck, as a carpenter and a mechanic and farming. In 1967 the family moved to Othello for work, After a short stay in Royal City they returned to and settled in Othello. Jesus went to work for Hartwig Farms then Taggeres Farms where he worked driving for P.J. Taggeres for 30 years. He worked for Frank Mint, Pegram farms and retired earlier this year from Sunny Farms.

Jesus had three passions in his life, his family, hunting and deep sea fishing. He would travel to Westport, Wash., at least once a year to fish. In 1974 Jesus set the state record for the biggest King salmon caught that year. He also looked forward to having coffee with the farmers in the morning and catching up on all the goings on and coffee with his son Jesus, Jr. He was an avid "Walker Texas Ranger" fan, a member of the Eagles and a devout member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Jesus was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Elena and a brother Ofelio.

He is survived by his wife Lucia of Othello, four sons; Victor (Ulrike) of Lacey, Wash., Ricardo of Lacey, Jesus Jr. (Gloria) of Othello, and Daniel (Aida) of Warden, four daughters; Maggie Trevino of Harlingen, Celia Carrillo (Crispin) of Othello, Patricia Vasquez (Frank) of Othello and Elida Rodelo of Othello, four brothers Nicasio, Candi, Felix and Ruben Rodelo and Sister Ledi Rudelo, all of Monterey, Mexico.

Visitation and vigil was held on Sunday, July 29, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church beginning at 4 p.m., a Rosary was prayed on Sunday at the church. Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 30, at Sacred Heart at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Bess Hampton Memorial Gardens. Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Chapel of Othello.

The family invites you to view this obituary, sign the guest book and light a candle for Jesus at stevensfuneralchapel.com.