Rafael G. Guzman

Rafael G. Guzman, 84, of Moline, passed away Monday, December 12, 2022, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Friday, December 16, 2022, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Silvis. Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, December 15, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.

Rafael was born October 10, 1938, in Yuriria, Guanajuato Mexico to J. Jesús Guzman and Angela Gomez. He used to tell us that he was placed in the sun by his mother to garner his darker complexion. He married Graciela Salazar, (2 times because our mom evidently had no clue what was in store for her), on August 19, 1962, and August 18, 1963, in Yuriria, Guanajuato Mexico.

Rafael immigrated to Moline, Illinois, and began working as a dishwasher at the LeClaire Hotel; then Frank Foundries; ultimately landing at John Deere Harvester Works (a lucky coincidence he would say). He proudly worked for John Deere Harvester Works for 45 years finally retiring in 2009.

Our dad was a forever jokester, storyteller, and history buff. He wasn’t afraid to talk (endlessly) about any subject. He made many, many friends (even with a lamp post we believe) along his life’s journey. He, along with our mother, instilled in each one of us, character, a work ethic, and the ability to graduate universities debt-free. We are forever grateful to our parents and the many, many lifelong friends that supported him and us, as well as all the generous, kindhearted nurses and staff at Clarissa Cook.

He is survived by his children: Norma (William) Kauzlarich, Brenda (Matt) Flynn, Jessie (Steve) Brockway, Rafael (Jackie) Guzman, Megan (Mick Overgard) MacCall. His grandchildren: Mitchel Flynn, Emilia (Johnathon) Lynch, Sophia Brockway, Joaquin Guzman, Elena Guzman, Jesus Guzman, Arturo Guzman, Humberto Guzman, Rafael Guzman, Guadalupe Guzman, Rosendo Guzman, Joseph (Amber) Kauzlarich and Amber (Phillip) Wirt. His siblings: Estela Guzman de Hernandez, Jesus (Rosa) Guzman, Rodolfo (Idolia) Guzman and María de los Ángeles Guzmán. His many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife “Gracie” and son Miguel.

Memories may be shared on the tribute wall.