William “Willie” John Rodriguez, 79, passed away April 24, 2017, at Hutchinson Hospice House.

Willie was born at home June 25, 1937, to Mike and Jennie (Saenz) Rodriguez in Florence, Kansas. He was raised in Florence and attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School and Florence High School.

He served in the Kansas National Guard. Willie was employed by Rock Island Railroad for seven years and part time at Cook Motors in Florence. He was employed at Carey Salt Mine, now known as Hutchinson Salt Mine, for 47 years, retiring in 2014.

He married Barbara Steiner on Aug. 14, 1964. They moved to Hutchinson in 1965.

Willie loved being around family; he did not know a stranger and was a hard worker down in the mine and taking care of others’ lawns. He was known for his great love of the Kansas Jayhawks!

Willie is survived by his wife Barbara; sons, Steve and wife, Susan, of Wichita and Robert of Hutchinson; four granddaughters, Shawnacy, Megan, Sarah, and Shalee; sister, Rita Sanceda of Newton; brother in-law, Sam Borrego of Wichita; six nieces and three nephews; and numerous cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents Mike and Jennie, and sisters Kathryn, MaryAnn Hahn, and Carol Borrego.

Parish Rosary will be 9:30 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 27, 2017, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, South Hutchinson, with Father Ned J. Blick presiding. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, with the family to receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson KS 67501. Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a personal condolence for Willie’s family.