Rafael Rodriguez Martinez, 89, formerly of Hershey, NE, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2013, at the North Platte Care Center in North Platte, NE.

Rafael was born November 26, 1924, to Jesus Martinez and Carlota Rodriguez at Zacatecas, Mexico. He grew up in Mexico and came to the United States in 1953 as a migrant worker. Rafael started working in Texas then went to Washington before coming to Hershey where he worked for several area farmers. Rafael hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad with the Maintenance of Way. He later became disabled while working for the railroad.

In March 1944, Rafael married Victoria Godina at Noria de Angeles, Zacatecas, Mexico.

Rafael was a member of Our Lady Of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Hershey. He was a hard worker and loved his kids and grandkids.

Survivors include his nine children, Carmen “Maria” (Angel) Quinonez, San Juana (Stuart) Marshall, Rose (Martin) Rodriguez and Phil Martinez, all of North Platte, Rita Martinez, of San Diego, CA, Frank Martinez, Woodriver, NE, Kathy (Anthony) Michele, of Haysville, KS, Ralph (Genoveva) Martinez, of Hershey, NE, and Tony (Maya) Martinez, of Safford, AZ; 28 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and other family.

Rafael was preceded in death by his wife, Victoria; a son, Gerald “Jerry”; and his parents, Jesus and Carlota.

Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday followed by a Christian Wake Service at 7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, December 5, 2013, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.