Esekiel Mendoza 04/08/2025

In Loving Memory of Esekiel “Zeke” Mendoza
A Devoted Husband, Loyal Brother, Fierce Protector, and Beloved Family Man
(March 6, 1966 – April 8, 2025)
With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Esekiel “Zeke” Mendoza, 59, of River Falls, WI. Surrounded by his loving family, Zeke passed away on April 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and unwavering devotion.
Born on March 6, 1966 in Richmond, California, to Rafael and Eufemia (Albres) Mendoza, Zeke graduated from Richmond High School in 1984. Soon after, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and formed lifelong bonds with his fellow servicemen. During his military service, he also met the love of his life, Roxann — his best friend and soulmate.
Despite a fear of heights, Zeke pushed himself to become an Airborne Ranger, a testament to the quiet courage that defined his life. He later served in the Wisconsin National Guard, completing multiple overseas missions and continuing to build friendships based on loyalty and mutual respect. His service was never about recognition; it was about duty, integrity, and brotherhood.
In 2002, Zeke moved to River Falls, WI to be with Roxann, they married on December 26, 2003. He began working at UW–River Falls in 2003 as a Boiler Plant Operator. Known for stepping in to take extra shifts and support his team, Zeke’s work ethic mirrored his personal values: service, humility, and commitment.
To his wife, he was her constant — her protector, her laughter, her peace. The love they shared was rare and profound. To his children and grandchildren, Zeke was the steady heartbeat of the family: strong, wise, and quietly nurturing. Whether with a kind word, a watchful eye, or his calming presence, he made sure everyone around him felt safe and deeply loved.
He found joy in the simple things: spending time with his family, movies, going out to eat, and enjoying a Bloody Mary with Roxann. He was an active member of the River Falls Sportsman’s Club and a man who led not with noise, but with action.
Zeke was many things: a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, mentor, and friend. Tough when needed, kind when it mattered, and always true to himself. He lived with humility and strong faith in God and the Holy Spirit — never boastful, always giving. His life quietly touched many, and his lessons will live on through the countless people he helped shape.
Zeke is survived by his wife, Roxann (Muto) Mendoza; daughter through marriage, Tara (Richard) Lueneburg, and their children — his beloved grandchildren Aydin(16) Kaiya(14) and Xavier(8), of New Richmond, WI; and son through marriage, Trevor Brown of River Falls, WI.
He is also survived by his siblings, Teresa Ochoa, Heliodora “Lola” Navarro, Rafael Mendoza, Raul Mendoza, Ernesto Mendoza, Taide Mendoza, all residing in California; godchild, Alicia Young; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rafael and Eufemia (Albres) Mendoza; and siblings, Margarita Gonzalez, Gabriel Mendoza, Erica Yolanda Gonzalez.
A Celebration of Esekiel’s Life will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025 at 12 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 805 E Division Street River Falls, WI. Visitation will also be on Friday from 11am – 12 pm at the funeral home. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls. Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 121 Honor Squad. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch Zeke’s service live on Friday at 12 pm