Wence Michael Rodriquez

Wenceslaus Michael Rodriquez, 82, of Idaho Falls, passed away suddenly on April 11, 2026, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Wence was born September 28, 1943, in Mason City, Iowa, to Pedro Rodriquez and Gabina Mejia Rodriquez. He grew up in Manly, Iowa, where he attended Sacred Heart School. He graduated from Mechanic Arts High School in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and attended the University of Minnesota and Iowa State University. Wence honorably served 8 years in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of Petty Officer First Class.

On June 1, 1964, he married Josephine Johanna Kuehn in Saint Paul, Minnesota. In 1975, Wence and Josephine made their home in Idaho Falls, where Wence worked as a Mechanical Engineer for the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and later retired from Bechtel Bettis in 2004.

He was a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church and served his community as a Deacon and through various Church Ministries. He found great joy in traveling, family vacations, and above all, spending time with his family. He was a lifelong teacher and mentor, always willing to share his wisdom and knowledge with others.

Wence is survived by his wife, Josephine Rodriquez of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Michael (Kristie) Rodriquez of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Randy (Kathy) Rodriquez of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Peter (Angela) Rodriquez of Heyburn, ID; daughter, Anita (Zachary) Garcia of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Matthew (Gina) Rodriquez of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Joseph Rodriquez of Idaho Falls, ID; and daughter, Jennifer (Jordan) Margheim of Nampa, ID. He was loved by his many grandchildren: Kayla, Andrea, Alex, Drew, Keaton, Anthony, Symphony, Syringa, Alyssa, Elijah, Jacobi, Caleb, Emma, Jaden; 5 great- grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pedro and Gabina Rodriquez; brother, Gonzales Rodriquez; and son, David Rodriquez.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 905 S. Lee in Idaho Falls. A rosary will be held Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue in Idaho Falls, with a visitation to follow until 8 p.m. Burial will be in the Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery. Military Honors will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Navy Honor Guard.