Shortly after midnight on June 3, 2021 our beloved Dad and Grandpa, William DeWayne Rhodes, age 95, of Clintonville was safely transported to that beautiful shore, his heavenly home. We picture a loving welcome and a grateful, contrite heart bowing in humility at the feet of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
William “Bill” was born April 25, 1926 in Barron, Wisconsin to Raymond and Anna (Jungmann) Rhodes. He was drafted at age 18 to serve as a 1st Class Navy Seamen during WWII. He was proud to serve his country as a landing boat operator in the Pacific Ocean. One of the highlights of his later years was to be sponsored to participate in one of the many Old Glory Honor Flights to Washington D.C. He considered it a great honor and privilege. After the war, he attended the Milwaukee School of Mortuary Science, graduating with honors. For the next several decades, he owned and operated the Soman & Rhodes Funeral Home in Antigo and the Rhodes & Beil Funeral Home in Clintonville. He also worked in several other funeral homes in Shawano, Milwaukee, and Rhinelander. He finally retired at age 81. During those years, he served and comforted countless grieving families. He took the time to listen and comfort others through the difficult crisis and trial of losing a loved one. He married Beverly J. Finnell, on October 3, 1958, and soon adopted his first daughter, Angela. In time, two more children, Holly (Rhodes) Reinke and William Bradford “Brad” Rhodes would be born.
After numerous moves and relocations, he settled in Clintonville. There he enjoyed worship and fellowship with his church family at Bethany Evangelical Free Church, as well as precious time spent with his children and grandchildren. The most influential person in William’s life was the Lord, Jesus Christ, and the personal relationship he had with Him. He loved to read and study his Bible and learn more about his true identity in Jesus and God’s amazing work of love and grace on his behalf. He lived a full, active life right until the very end. He was especially fond of playing billiards with his “pool buddies”, taking daily driving excursions in his car, and snacking on popcorn while watching the Brewer baseball games. He also came regularly to his daughter and son-in-law’s home for meals, Bible study, and hymn singing. Also, as a family, we can only imagine how his daily prayers for us and others have impacted our life. His faithful prayer ministry has been a tremendous blessing.
Bill is survived by the love of his life for 62 years, Beverly; and his children, Angela Rhodes of Sarasota, FL, Holly (Steve) Reinke of Clintonville, and Brad (special friend Nikki Peebles) Rhodes of Waupaca. There are seven grandchildren: Abbey Mattes of Honolulu, HI; Sussanah (Paul) Herrick of Sun Prairie, Stephen (Elisabeth) Reinke of Clintonville, Stacy (Matt) Reub of Appleton, Sarah Reinke of Appleton, Madeline Rhodes of Waupaca, and Brady Rhodes of Waupaca. He is further survived by a special nephew and niece, Dan Rhodes of Coleman, WI, and Bonnie Whitman of Menomonee, MI; and many other relatives and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert (Bernice) Rhodes; a brother-in-law, Bill (Judith) Finnell; and one niece, Roberta “Bobbi” Tracey.
Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, June 9th at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Evangelical Free Church, Clintonville. Rev. Kurt Hettinga will officiate and burial will be Bethesda Cemetery, Navarino. Military Honors will be provided at church by members of the VFW Post 664, American Legion Post 63, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63, all of Clintonville. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the church.
One of his greatest desires was that his family would all trust the Lord and experience His goodness. We miss him greatly!