Obit: Rhoades, Gerald “Jerry” (1944 - 2021)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Rhoades, Mckinnis, Kohls, Schiller, Brunes, Wehlert, Lilienthal, Hahn, Daniel, Grant, Kangas

----Source: Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home (Marshfield, Wood Co., WI) 7/05/2021

Rhoades, Gerald “Jerry” (31 October 1944 – 28 May 2021)

Gerald "Jerry" Rhoades, age 76, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 28th, at Marshfield Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

In Bertram, MN, Jerry was born on October 31, 1944, to Harry and Almira Rhoades. Jerry grew up in Sebeka, MN, with his older sister and younger brother. He attended the high school where his father was principal, and it was there that he met Connie Jean Mckinnis. Jerry and Connie married and started a family at a young age; they were blessed with one daughter and three sons. Although there were challenges, their love for each other remained constant, and they spent 58 years together before Jerry's passing.

Before retirement, Jerry was a successful salesman for Wisconsin Homes. He loved his job, meeting new people, and traveling, often with Connie in the passenger seat when the children were grown. His career allowed Jerry and Connie to take several memorable company vacations. Jerry had many hobbies, including watching Packer games and westerns, playing cards, gardening, attending concerts, golfing, fishing, and visiting with anyone that would have a conversation. He loved telling jokes and making people laugh. Jerry enjoyed monthly nights out with his group of friends and visiting with his neighbor Ken.

Most importantly, Jerry made a point to spend as much quality time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed many conversations and laughed with Holly, his oldest grandchild, who helped with his medical care. Jerry enjoyed his hunting trip this last fall with Trevor, his oldest grandson, and never missed when Trevor's band had a show. Although Jerry's youngest grandchildren, Seth and Rece, did not live close, he and Connie put on many miles driving to Spring Green and had a permanent seat on the bleachers at River Valley School sporting events. He made many friendships with other parents and grandparents at these events.

The past year with Covid was challenging as Jerry loves to socialize and be with family and friends. His health began to decline, especially in the last two months. He is at peace now and is with his son, Jeff, who passed away in 2018. He will be greatly missed by many.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Connie, Spencer; daughter, Jenny (Randy) Kohls, Marshfield; son, Jim (Martha), Marshfield; Joel (Jackie), Spring Green; grandchildren, Holly (Jon) Schiller, Trevor (Amanda), Seth, and Rece; great-grandchild, Addisyn; sister, Barb Brunes, MN; brother, Dick (Margaret), MN; sister in-law Debbie (Markus) Wehlert, MN; sister in-law Laura Lilienthal, Marshfield; mother of Holly and Trevor, Julee Hahn; special niece, Stacy Daniel; many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and many friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his son Jeff; his parents Harry and Almira; his in-laws, Doris and Wayne Grant and James Mckinnis; his nephew Joshua Kangas, his brothers-in-law Doug Lilienthal and Bruce Brunes.

Memorial Services will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 16, 2021, at the Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (1010 E Veterans Parkway) in Marshfield. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home on Friday, with a luncheon to follow. In addition, a celebration of life will be held later. The Live Stream of the Memorial Service can be viewed on the funeral home website under the "Home Tab".