Rolando R. Cruz, 71, died Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, at the Simpson Memorial Home in West Liberty.
Visitation will be held from 12 to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty, with funeral services to be held immediately following at 2 p.m. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com.
Rolando Rodriguez Cruz was born Sept. 20, 1952, in Brownsville, Texas, the son of Antonio and Ofelia (Rodriguez) Cruz. He attended Muscatine High School. On Feb. 23, 1974, he was united in marriage to Yolanda Castillo at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Muscatine. Rolando had worked as a machinist most of his life, working for Rohner’s Machine Works in West Liberty, Bandag, Inc. in Muscatine and Tibor in Rock Island, where he retired.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, traveling with Yolanda, listening to classic rock and roll and blues music, and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Bears fan. Most importantly he enjoyed watching his grandchildren play soccer, basketball, wrestle and dance.
He is survived by his wife Yolanda of West Liberty, three daughters: Belinda Cruz of West Liberty, Rebecca (Roque) Santos of Columbus Jct., and Mary (Richard) Pence of Cedar Rapids. grandchildren: Alex, Adrian, Aaliyah, Maya and Savanna. He is also survived by his older brother Antonio (Vangie) Cruz and their three children, all living in Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant sister.
A special thank you to St. Croix Hospice and the Simpson Memorial Home for the care given to Rolando, and the support given to his family.