Benjamin Vargas Rodriguez, 64, of Elkhart, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on Sunday, July 7, 2024, after an illness.

Benjamin, known as "El Comanche", was born June 8, 1960, in Cueramaro Guanajuato, Mexico to Margarito Vargas Leon and Amelia Rodriguez Escobar.  He was preceded in death by his mother and a daughter, Blancastella Vargas.

He married Bertha Torres, and she survives along with a son, Jose (Alma) Benjamin Vargas Torres of Mexico; daughters, Belinda Vargas and Blanca Vargas Torres (Ruben), both of Elkhart and Vianey Vargas Beltran of Italy.  Also surviving are his brothers: Jorge Vargas Rodriguez, Hector Vargas Rodriguez, Jose Vargas Rodriguez, Gerardo Vargas Rodriguez, all of California, Margarito Vargas of Chicago and Josue Vargas of California and sisters, Dora Islas, Sonia Vargas and Melina Figueroa, all of California and three grandchildren, Magaly and Eliseo, both of Elkhart and Yuliam of Mexico.

Benjamin retired from Welch Packaging.  He was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church and CRSP Group #39 at church.  Prior to coming to the United States, he served in the Mexican Army.  El Comanche loved to play and watch soccer.  He was a jokester, making everyone laugh when he was around.  He was always the life of the party and a great storyteller.  He especially loved his grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church.  Visitation will begin at 12 noon, also on Wednesday, in Vincent Hall at the church.  Cremation will take place and burial will be in St. Vincent Cemetery at a later date.  Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.