Rene Rodriguez Sr., age 57, of Defiance, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 30, 2026.

He was born on May 24, 1969 to Israel and Norma (Montoya) Rodriguez in Paulding, Ohio. Rene attended Four County Career Center and was a 1989 graduate of Defiance High School. He worked for over 30 years at Johns Manville in Defiance. Rene was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, and in his leisure time he enjoyed fishing and hunting. His greatest love was his family, and he loved watching his grandkids play ball. Rene will be greatly missed by his family and many great friends.

Rene is survived by his mother Norma Houlguin of Toledo, stepmother Rebecca Rodriguez of Defiance, former wife Heather (Kevin) Browns of Defiance, and his children, Rene (Aimee) Rodriguez, Jr. of Bryan, Ohio, Kaitlin (Thomas Cameron) Rodriguez and Isaiah Rodriguez, all of Defiance, and Nathaniel Rodriguez of Toledo, Ohio. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, and his siblings; Theresa Rodriguez of Toledo, Christina Rosse, Marcela Sierra, Priscilla (William) Mendoza, Danielle Trevino, Sierra Hatchett, all of Defiance, Ray Rodriguez Jr. of Napoleon, and Lorenzo Houlguin of Toledo.

He was preceded in death by Father, Israel "Ray" Rodriguez, Sr.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson-Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance.

Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, or US Renal Care of Defiance. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.