FITCHBURG - José Rodolfo Moreno, 81, of Madison, Wis., passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025. Born in McAllen, Texas on July 15, 1943, José's life was one of service, creativity, and devotion to family. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as an Able Seaman on the USS Carpenter DD825 until receiving an honorable discharge in 1966.

José built a fulfilling career first at Chicago Rawhide and later at Cargill in materials handling, bringing the same dedication and work ethic to everything he did. At home, his creativity flourished through his remarkable gift for gardening. Neighbors fondly remember his impressive harvest of over 100 tomato plants and the charming farm stand he created to share nature's bounty. His patience shone through in his unwavering efforts to grow avocado trees from pits, and his home bloomed with the houseplants he tenderly cared for.

In José's hands, ordinary things became extraordinary. He possessed an innate ability to see potential where others saw none-whether in a simple avocado seed or a discarded item others might overlook. His inventive spirit transformed the seemingly useless into the useful, the broken into the whole.

The kitchen was another place where José's talents shined. His delicious cooking often came with a warning about its spiciness. When not cooking or gardening, José found joy in music, reading, and solving puzzles ("rompecabezas," as he would say in his fluent Spanish). Eagles and tigers held a special place in his heart, and he collected items featuring these majestic Creatures.

A caring and stoic man with a quick wit, José's humor brought laughter to those around him, even at times when perhaps a joke wasn't expected. Throughout his life, he bridged cultures through his bilingual fluency and appreciation for his heritage.

José is survived by his wife, Nancy Moreno; children, Niels Frederik Moreno (Heather), Katherine Contreras (Silviano), José Richard Moreno (Heather), and Gina Hartmann (widow of Joe Hartmann); brothers, Rogelio Moreno and Alfredo Moreno; grandchildren, Alyssa Moreno, Ryan Moreno, Evan Moreno, Raymond Moreno, Jacob Moreno, Jolene Moreno, Lydia Contreras, Eli Contreras, Rahel Contreras, Brittany Miller, America Smith, and Elian Hartmann; and great-grandchildren, Dillan Box and Walker Box.

Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate his warmth, wisdom, humor, and ingenious spirit that will be deeply missed and honor his legacy that lives on through the many lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002

José Rodolfo Moreno

July 15, 1943 - May 09, 2025

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