Ruben Rodriguez

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Ruben Rodriguez, a loving father, brother, son, and esteemed veteran. Ruben was born on January 20, 1973, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He joined our Lord and entered His heavenly kingdom on Saturday, August 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family by his side at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas.

Ruben's journey through life was marked by his unwavering commitment to service and excellence. He graduated from J.W. Nixon High School in 1991 before going on to earn an Associate’s Degree from Laredo Community College (Tamale Tech) in 2011, where he majored in Nursing. His dedication to helping others led him to serve in the U.S. Army as a 13 F. Forward Observer FIST from 1991 to 1994.

In February 1998, Ruben began a distinguished career with the City of Laredo Fire Department, where he dedicated nearly 25 years of service, ultimately retiring in late 2022. His accolades include being a Texas Certified Fire Rescue Instructor, an International Fire and Rope Rescue Tech Instructor, a Master Scuba Diver, Emergency Response International “Public Safety Diver,” Swiftwater and Flood Advanced Tech, High Angle Rescue/Confined Space Rescue Tech, Hazmat Op, Emergency Medical Tech, Registered Nurse, and a Firefighter, showcasing his expertise in a variety of lifesaving fields.

A respected member of several rescue teams, Ruben served as a Rescue Specialist for nearly 11 years of service with the Texas A&M Task Force 1 and the South Texas Regional State Rescue Team, contributing selflessly to the safety and well-being of the community. Throughout his career, he also shared his knowledge and skills as an Adjunct Instructor, shaping future generations of first responders.

His compassionate nature carried over into his work as an Emergency Room Nurse at Doctors Hospital of Laredo from 2003 to 2024. He continued his efforts in the healthcare industry as a Patient Experience Coordinator until his untimely passing.

A respected member of the Texas State Guard, Ruben held the rank of Captain within the HHC 3rd Battalion 3rd Brigade since 2023. His commitment to service exemplified his character, embodying the values of duty, honor, and community.

As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the legacy of love and compassion that Ruben leaves behind. May he rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire us all.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents: Porfirio and Maria Concepcion Salas.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Andrik Yahir Rodriguez and Amaya Rose Rodriguez; his mother, Juana Salas Rodriguez, his siblings: Juan Alejandro Rodriguez, Ninfa Widing, Claudia Rodriguez, and Yolanda (Saul) Ibarra; his nieces and nephews: Marissa Andrea Arevalo, Alicia Lysette Arevalo, Jorge Alejandro Arevalo, Megan Lemonds, Alexander J. Palacios, Ashlie Rodriguez, Saul Ibarra Jr., Zoey Anahi Ibarra, as well as other loving relatives and many friends.

The family will be receiving condolences on Friday evening, August 21, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., where a Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday morning, August 22, 2026, departing at 9:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to St. Patrick Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Veterans Section of the Laredo City Cemetery, where Laredo Fire Department Honors will take place.

Military Honors will be provided by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the Laredo Veterans Honor Guard.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Service, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78040; (956)722-8850.