Rodolfo S. Casillas

Rodolfo “Rudy” S. Casillas 82 of Holgate, Ohio passed away peacefully at home as he entered heaven’s gates, surrounded by angels and lifted to the light of his God.  Rudy put up a brave fight with his battle with cancer.Rudy was born August 25, 1935 in Woodward, TX, son of the late Enedelia Sobrevillo Casillas and Jose Casillas.  Rudy married in Miller City to the love of his life, Paula Orosco on August 25, 1956.

Survived by his loving wife Paula and children: Ernest (Linda) Casillas of New Bavaria, Lorraine Kuhlman of Defiance, Irene Mullen of Holgate, Elizabeth (Tom) Jones of Holgate, Julie Casillas of Holgate and Adolf (Trisha) Casillas of Holgate; 12 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 1 great great granddaughter; a sister, Lupe Garcia of Texas and 2 brothers, Ernest and Pablo Casillas of Wisconsin.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, precious great granddaughter Marley Jane Steingass, sisters Margaret and Augustine; brothers: Francisco, Pedro, Juan, Jose, Luis, Jesus, Ramon, and Rudy’s twin who passed before birth.

Rudy was a very kind soft spoken man with a heart of gold.  He worked at GM in Defiance for 38 years and retired in 1991.  Rudy was a man with many talents, from a master BBQ’er, who made a mean chicken to perfection, loved to entertain his family with parties and always the piñata man.  He’d had a green thumb and enjoyed working in his yard.  Rudy was a avid runner and competed in may marathons.  He was known around town as the guy who runs and walks.  Christmas was one of Rudy’s most favorite holidays.  He lit up his yard and decorated it like no other.  Rudy loved the excitement it would give his family.

Rudy was a champion, he always would see the big picture, family was always first, he thrived on a challenge.  Hard work was a part of Rudy’s life as he strived to always provide.  He embraced the pain that he experienced at the end of his race and was not afraid.  Rudy was a champion in every aspect of his life.  His love and commitment to his family was always his priority.  He is going to be greatly missed by his family but will be rejoicing  knowing he is with the Lord running in heaven.

Mi Vida  Mi Felicidad  Mi Familia

Friends will be received in the Zachrich Funeral Home, 114 William Street, Holgate on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm and again on Wednesday from 9:30 am in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Holgate.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday at 10:30 am with Father Nick Cunningham officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Contributions made in Rudy’s memory can be made to Mesothelioma research.  Please visit ZachrichFuneralHome.com to leave online condolences.