John “Johnny” Paul Rodriguez, age 68, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at Regions Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born on January 29, 1958, in Saint Paul.

Johnny attended Harding High School and was the eighth sibling of nine children. Throughout his life, Johnny built a career spanning 30+ years in the flooring industry, where he worked many different flooring jobs and was known for his hard work and dedication.

Johnny was an avid fisherman who loved both open water and ice fishing. If you couldn’t find him out fishing, you could usually find him in the kitchen cooking, firing up the grill, or making sure everyone around him was together having fun. Family and friends meant everything to Johnny, and he loved bringing people together any chance he could.

In 2007, Johnny met the love of his life, Linda Hopke. The two were married in 2019 and shared countless memories together through their travels to Mexico and Florida, as well as spending cherished time up north on Rainy Lake - a place that truly held Johnny’s heart. Whether he was chasing the biggest walleye and crappies or simply enjoying the lake life with loved ones, those moments brought him great happiness.

Johnny was always someone you could call when you needed a helping hand. He was known for his generous heart, contagious laugh, and his ability to make everyone smile and sometimes shake their heads. He never passed up an opportunity to throw one heck of a party, and many will remember him for singing “Mustang Sally,” even when he pretended he didn’t want to get up and do it.

Over the years, Johnny also loved to volunteer at International Falls Elks Lodge 1599 Corn and Brat Feed during summer while spending time in International Falls.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Eleuterio “Mike” Rodriguez; granddaughter Alana; sister-in-law Barbara Rodriguez; and brothers-in-law Kent Kokaisel, Danny Berres, and Steven Barry.

He is survived by his loving Wife, Linda Rodriguez; Daughters Nichole Klose, Jamie Friberg. Brothers Richard, David (Debbie), Michael (Renee), and Jimmy (Susan); Sisters Toni, MaryLou, Rita, and Vickie; Brother-in-law Brad Hopke (Lynde Mettler); Sister-in-law Connie Hopke (Mike Bleise);  Grandchildren Alece,  Noah, Celena and Dillion Great-grandchildren, Deshaun, Joshawn Jr., Jalece and Nova; Along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Johnny also shared a very special bond with his extended “Up North” Family on Rainy Lake: Brad and Lynde's kids, Cody (Ashlee) (Jax) Mettler, Madison (James) (Braden) (Hudson) (Huntley) Sheridan along with Lynde’s entire family, whom Johnny grew so fond of and loved as his very own. He is also survived by Linda’s close cousin, Todd (Patty) Pavleck from up North.

Johnny made countless friends everywhere he went because, simply put, there was not much not to like about this guy. His kindness, humor, generosity, and unforgettable personality will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Per Johnny’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.