Jacobo Briseño Rodriguez

Jacob "Grandpa Jake" Rodriguez, after a life of hospitality and love, entered into arms of the Lord, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Valley Senior Living, Grand Forks, ND.

Born in Artesia, New Mexico on July 31, 1947, to Polo and Pilar ( Briseño) Rodriguez, Jacobo Briseño Rodriguez began to make his way in the world at an early age. Attending school through the 8th Grade, Jacob worked for farmers in the southwest, often heading north with the seasons, learning a lesson in hospitality along the way that would last him the rest of his life. On May 10, 1968, he married Mary Frances Garcia in Muleshoe, TX. Mary was only fourteen but the two began a life together marked by love, respect, and a promise to never shave off his mustache (after that terrible first time). They moved to Earth, TX, where Jacob farmed cotton for many years. In 1980, he packed up the family and moved to Loop, TX, where he still farmed cotton, but lived off his own land. The family raised cows, pigs, and goats, and grew all their own vegetables- which they often shared due to Jake's generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed large parties with whole animals cooked, everyone served (even strangers) before he'd take a plate himself, lots of music, and huge fireworks shows at the end.

Whether giving a “pick-me-upper” to a passerby or taking whole families into his home, he was happy to give anyone food to eat and a place to stay (even if it was in the hay shed). But these gifts weren't free! He would ask of them- “Respect me and my family, help with the farm animals, and work around the yard.” To that end, his daughters were just as comfortable milking cows as his sons were doing dishes and chores in the house.

As a boy Jacob did migrant work in Angus, MN and, remembering it fondly, moved his wife and family northward settling in Stephen, MN in 1996. He worked for area farmers and found more time for his detailed woodworking, making all sorts of furniture: hutches, cribs, trunks, you name it! He also remodeled many homes, painted on glass, and listened to music. He LOVED music. He had a fun sense of humor and if you shared that same sense, all the better!

In 2023, after a fall, Jacob moved in with his daughter, Rachel. His daughters (Rachel, Angela, and April) and granddaughters (Destiny and Cara) were his caregivers before he moved to Valley Senior Living. He made many friends there, and like with most people he met, he left an imprint upon their lives. From strangers across the southwest, to the nurses and CNAs in his last days in the north, Jacobo Rodriguez made his mark wherever he went.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary; ten children, Rachel Lopez of Warren, MN, Juan (Angie) Rodriguez of Lubbock, TX, Jacobo Rodriguez Jr. of Odessa, TX, Angela (Gary) Wick of Stephen, MN, David (Misti) Rodriguez of Greenbush, MN, James Rodriguez of Alvarado, Dedrick (Jennifer) Rodriguez of Warren, April (Hector) Villa of Fargo, ND, Irene (Rudy) Frias, and Daniel (Katie) Rodriguez both of Grand Forks, ND; 28 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; siblings, Maria Gonzales, Steven Rodriguez, and Susie (Pedro) Porres, all in Texas; and all those who considered him a part of their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings; three infant children; and five grandchildren.

May his memory be eternal.
 

FUNERAL SERVICE: Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM, in Our Savior's Luhteran Church of Warren, MN.
A RECORDING may be found here:  Jacob Rodriguez - Funeral Service
VISITATION: One hour prior.
INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery, Warren, MN.