J uan Manuel Rodriguez, 61, passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 in his home in Wichita, Kansas. He was born in Guadalajara, Mexico to Raul Rodriguez Matias and Maria Del Refugio Rodriguez (Bautista). To his family, he was Manuel, and to those closest to him in his youth he was known as Ardilla (which translates to Squirrel in English). He was a lifelong resident of Wichita. He attended school in both Mexico and Wichita, and was a graduate of Wichita Heights High School. Shortly after high school he met his wife, Cherie, and started a family. He worked in construction as a carpenter and certified renovator.

Manuel was a man who could do anything and fix anything. He single handedly repaired and maintained his home(s), always taking pride in his work and craftsmanship. He used his carpentry skills in unique ways to build a life full of entertainment and joy. Some of his most treasured creations include a homemade aquarium, a miniature world for his collectible model trains (built entirely from scratch using expanding foam, plywood, spray paint, and enthusiasm), and a waterfall that turned an above ground pool into his backyard oasis. Once his children grew up and out of the house, he was always ready to offer his knowledge and skills to help them build their own homes and lives full of handcrafted memories.

He loved eating fresh fruit, especially guava because it reminded him of the guayaba tree that grew in the backyard of his childhood home. He took pride in cooking for his family and keeping tradition alive with family recipes and authentic Mexican dishes. Growing up near the ocean instilled in him a love for seafood - especially exotic dishes such as squid and octupus - and he was always eager to share a meal with anyone who was brave enough to try it. He carried his love for the water with him to Kansas where he spent many summers entertaining at the lake with his boat.

Juan had a passion for motorcycles that he passed on to his sons. His children remember riding to Schell Park on the back of his bike, and being forced to wear his oversized helmet for safety. Twice he participated in Toys for Tots, using his cherished moto to deliver gifts to children in need.

He was a lifelong soccer player and loved watching movies in his home-built theater. He taught himself how to play a variety of instruments including the keyboard, accordion, drums, and guitar, and often DJ'd at family gatherings.

Manuel's greatest joy was making other people happy, and he lived his life for everyone that he loved.

He is preceded in death by his father, Raul Rodriguez Matias, and his brother, Raul Bautista Rodriguez.

He is survived by his spouse Cherie Rodriguez; children Jessica (Lance) Arbuckle, Hilario (LeDessa) Rodriguez, and Luis Rodriguez; grandchildren Loyd, Cora, and Scarlett; mother Maria Del Refugio Rodriguez (Bautista); brother Jorge (Juana) Rodriguez; sisters María Guadalupe (Andres) Tovar, Rocio (Richard) Rosales; 3 nephews, 5 nieces, and 3 great nephews and 1 great niece.

Rosary will be 10:00 am and Mass 10:30 am on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 2351 N. Market, Wichita, Kansas. Graveside following at the Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

Baker Funeral Home Valley Center - Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com