Valerino O. Rodarte

Our beloved father, grandfather was taken home to his Lord on September 25, 2020 at his home with his family by his side. Age 89, Valerino O. Rodarte was born April 28, 1931 in Uvalde, Texas to José Casamiro and Maria Refugio (Ortiz) Rodarte. The Rodarte family came to Saginaw as migrant workers to the Saginaw area in 1941, coming back and forth until settling in the area in 1946. He married Anita Diaz in 1953. With limited education Valerino and his brother Manuel, picked up hammers and built their first home in 1957. Along with their wives they established Rodarte Builders, Inc. soon afterwards. Their construction company built many homes throughout Saginaw, Flint and the thumb region. They were pioneers in the housing industry working with the Fair Housing Act (FHA) to allow many people to own their own homes. They set a record in 1968 for 30 permits to build on par with 225 homes that year. The Rodarte brother’s success was the American dream from working the fields to building thousands of homes. Valerino’s life was work and he never forgot his migrant brethren. He loved gardening, upgrading his home, and helping others with his building skills. He loved his Detroit Tigers and La Virgen de Guadalupe. Of his many attributes, his faith was the greatest. He was a lifelong member of St. Christopher’s Catholic Church.

Surviving are his four children Robert (Wanda) Rodarte, Joann (Darren) Woodke, Nancy (Arturo) Rodriguez and Larry J. Rodarte, all of Saginaw. Six grandchildren, Anthony, Amanda, Rebecca, Rachel, Katy and Sarah; eight great-grandchildren, Kyler, Marcelino, Angelo, Kayla, Ana, Gianna, Saylor and Athena; his companion Eva Tijerina; and one sister Maria (Ruby) Melchor; special nieces Angela and Valerie Blanco; daughter-in-law Lydia and many nephews and nieces. Valerino was preceded by his beloved wife Anita (Anne), his parents, and siblings Roberto Rodarte, Guadalupe Morales, Manuel Rodarte, Juanita Rodarte, Josefina Gallardo and Angelina Blanco.

Funeral Mass will take place 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at St. Frances de Sales (The former St. Christopher’s Catholic Church. Rev. John Mancini, OSFS will officiate. Family and friend are welcome to visit at the church Tuesday, from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Pursuant to the current state executive order, indoor building capacity is limited and face coverings are required, and social distancing encouraged. In lieu of Flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to La Union Civica Mexicana.