Dennis Rodriguez

Dennis, “Cheech,” “Chi-Chi,” Rodriguez, who will remain ageless, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 22, in Acapulco Mexico, a friend to everyone with a smile and laugh that will never be forgotten.

A memorial mass will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 1st, at St Columbus Church, 122 West Washington Street, Ottawa, IL where Dennis attended. A celebration of life will be from Noon – 4 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at the Knights of Columbus, 401 West Main St, Ottawa, IL.

Dennis was born April 9th, 1949, in Ottawa to Emigdio and Paula (Alvarado) Rodriguez.

Dennis is survived by four children: three daughters, Todd (Renae Donahue) Hollingsworth, of Ottawa, Heidi Carlton Pickering, of Sagamore Hills, Ohio, Ryan (Molly Carlton) Mohammed of Burlington Ontario, Canada, and one son, Dustin (Ashley) Carlton of Aurora, Ohio; twelve grandchildren, Jordan Hollingsworth, Alyssa Boaz, Christian, Eva and William Pickering, Isabel and Olivia Nguyen, Miguel and Catalina Mohammed, Ali, Logan and Jordan Carlton; and two great-grandchildren; a brother Rob Rodriguez of Chicago, and several Aunts and Uncles.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a veteran of the United States Army and worked in the Laborers Union, out of Locals 75 and 393. He was an avid Cubs and Bears fan. He not only went to the 2016 Cubs playoff games he also attended the World Series to witness the win and making star appearances on TV. He sponsored famous Cubs and Bears bus trips back in the day with stories still being told. He once was the owner of the Zeller Inn, making it the best place to be in LaSalle County. When Pitstick’s beach was open, he was an icon to all. Boating, a beach, traveling, lying out in the sun, no matter what it was, he loved and lived life to the fullest and a good time never passed him by. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Memorials may be made to Dennis Rodriguez Medical Benefit Fund at Financial Plus Credit Union, 800 Chestnut St, Ottawa, IL 61350 or to a charity of your choice in his honor.