Obituary of Jose Rodolfo Mendoza

Jose R. Mendoza, 63 of Iowa City died from injuries sustained in a car accident Tuesday, February 15, 2011. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 20, 2011, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. A memorial fund has been established in Jose’s memory. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Jose Rodolfo Mendoza was born January 19, 1948, in Santiago, Cuba, the son of Jose and Engracia Mendoza. His family moved to the United States in 1962, Jose attended and graduated from high school in Red Oak, Iowa in the Class of 1967. He has been a resident of Iowa City since 1970, attending the University of Iowa here. Jose was united in marriage to Nancy Wagner, March 17, 1973, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Iowa City. In retirement Jose has enjoy driving cab for Yellow Cab, having recently received The Outstanding Service Award from the company. Jose was one of those who never met a stranger, would give the shirt off his back to those in need, and no matter what time of day or night, no matter what you needed, he would be there to help. He belonged to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, enjoyed bowling in various leagues over the years, golfing, camping in their motor home, gardening, landscaping, playing the slots at the casino, but most of all, most dear to him was his family! His family includes his wife, Nancy; daughter and her husband, Michelle and Bryan Lord of Iowa City; sister-in-law, Suzanne Mendoza of Glendale Heights, IL; nephew, Anthony Mendoza (Lauren) of Glendale Heights, IL; and of course Nancy’s siblings, all who loved Jose, Shirley Mayfield of Iowa City, Bill Wagner (Muriel) of Iowa City, Mick Wagner (Angie Cowart) of Abilene, KS, Mary Ann Davis (Doug) of Riverside, Richard Wagner (Janet) of Casselberry, FL, Joann Klein (Michael) of Waterville, IA, Sharon Gilkerson (Scott) of Panama City Beach, FL; and numerous other nieces, nephews and good friends. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Jose’s family and his services.