Roberto "Bobby" Rodriguez

Roberto "Bobby" Rodriguez

February 7, 1944 ~ January 18, 2021 (age 76)

Roberto "Bobby" Rodriguez, age 76, formerly of Minneapolis, MN. Began his journey from Essentia Health- Miller Dwan Hospital in Duluth, MN on January 18, 2021.

Bobby was born of February 7, 1944 in Minneapolis to Kenneth Jose Rodriguez and Betty Petra Moreno-Rodriguez.

Bobby is survived by: Life-Partner of 39 years- Sharon Wilson, Children, Shawn Rodriguez (Stephanie), Scott Burton (MaryBeth), Mark Karos (Jenny), Bobby Rodriguez Jr, Katy Parkhurst, Amy Parkhurst Regguinti (Shanah), Michelle Wilson, Elizabeth Rodriguez (Luke Grossman), Petra Rodriguez, Valerie Rodriguez (James Jones).

Preceded by: Mother- Betty Petra Moreno Rodriguez, Father-Kenneth Jose Rodriguez, Siblings- Kenneth Rodriguez Jr., Rudy Rodriguez, Estella Rodriguez, Granddaughters- Valerie Rae Brown, Niinimoshe Grossman.

Bobby was truly one of a kind. His energetic spirit was very uplifting with his contagious smile and generous heart. He made you feel loved, welcomed, protected and never hesitated to help in any way. Bobby was a hardworking man that never complained about a thing. His upbeat personality had him dancing through life with every footstep. Even at the age of 76, Bobby was quick on his feet. You could never sneak up on him. His guard was always up and ready to give you one of his infamous combos. He was loved by many and will always be remembered as everyone's "Papa". Two of his proudest accomplishments was winning the Golden Gloves Upper Midwest Championship at the age of 15 in 1959 and being ringside helping coach his brother Rafael's fight with Sugar Ray Leonard in 1978. Bobby began his boxing career at the age of 10, as he wanted to follow his brother Kenny's footsteps. Bobby was very successful in his amateur and professional boxing career and left an impression in both divisions. The bulk of his professional career took place in Los Angeles, California, during which he was the 10th ranked featherweight in the world for a period of time. He won 20 consecutive fights before losing for the first time. He ended his professional career in 1977 with a record of 24 wins – 11TKO's – 2 draws – 10 Losses. He continued to be active in the boxing community, coaching young boxers with the Leech Lake Boxing Club for many years. He was later recognized for his success and was inducted into the Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014. There are many that will remember Bobby for his success in boxing and many that will remember him for his dedication to the Leech Lake Community Pow Wow's as their grounds keeper.

Pallbearers: Corey Rodriguez, Dan "Fudd" Wilson, Danny "Taco" Ruiz, Kenneth "Tito" Rodriguez, Luke Grossman, Nate Seelye Sr., Romondo Papsadora Sr., James Jones.

Honorary Pallbearers: All of Bobby's siblings, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Services

Wake

Friday

January 22, 2021

4:00 PM

Ball Club Community Center

Ball Club, MN 56636

Funeral Service

Saturday

January 23, 2021

11:00 AM

Ball Club Community Center

Ball Club, MN 56636