Obituary of Rafael Mendoza

Age 78 of Rockdale, passed away Monday, October 11, 2021, at Amita Health St. Joseph Medical Center.  He was born in Mexico, the son of the late Atilano and Rosario (Estrada) Mendoza Meza.  He emigrated to the United States in 1970 where he settled in Joliet.  Rafael retired from Gerdau Steel following many years of service.  He was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Rafael was an avid soccer player and coach.

He is survived by his loving wife, Maria (Maciel) Mendoza; his daughter, Lizette (Salvador) Guzman; his grandson, Sebastian Guzman, all of Rockdale; his 3 brothers, Gonzalo (Yolanda), Javier (Esperanza), and Victor (Marlene) Mendoza; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Rafael was preceded by his parents; his sister, Julia Garcia; and his brother, Jesus Mendoza.

Visitation for Rafael will be Thursday, October 14, 2021, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, from 4:00-8:00 p.m.  Funeral Services will be Friday, October 15, 2021, at 9:15 a.m. to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 710 W. Marion St., Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.