"Diana, So sorry for your loss. I will never forget your dad yelling get at us on the court or giving me a technical. My fondest school memories are of him umping our games. I can say it does get easier with time. Prayers for you and all of his grand babies. R.I.P DON. Jerilyn Nelson Smith"
In loving memory of
Donald "Don" E. Rhoades
November 11, 1934 - February 16, 2017
Donald Edward Rhoades, 82, passed away on February 16, 2017 at Good Shepard Hospital in Barrington, IL following a brief illness.
Formerly of Fox Lake, IL via Shenandoah, IA, Don was the son of Edward and Wilda Rhoades. He spent his early life in Shenandoah working for his father on the farm, attending school, and participating in various extracurricular activities such as football, baseball, and FFA. He graduated from Shenandoah High School and later finished his BA in Education at the age of 54.
Mr. Rhoades served in the Marines during the Korean War and subsequently served in the Iowa National Guard before retiring with a combined 20 years of service. He married Donna Jean Almquist, and they moved to Omaha, Nebraska together where Don worked as a cattle buyer for both Missouri Beef and Hormel.
During this time, his two daughters, Diana and Dawna, were born. Eventually the family of four traveled back to Shenandoah, were Donald worked for Hoover NSK in shipping and receiving. Later, the family moved to Clarinda, IA where Don worked for Lisle Corporation as a machinist. When he retired, he put his BA in Education to use by substitute teaching in several schools in Southwest Iowa.
Possessing an enormous passion for sports, Donald was a longtime umpire for Clarinda A's Baseball, and he was also a football official and basketball referee in his spare time. Throughout his life he thoroughly enjoyed watching and discussing sports with family and friends. It truly gave him no end of pride and joy to watch his daughters and his grandchildren play ball. Don's later years were spent in Northern Illinois where he could be closer to his immediate family.
Donald Rhoades was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Jean Rhoades, and his second daughter, Dawna Leigh Rhoades.
He is survived in death by his first daughter, Diana Lynne Loukota and his 8 grandchildren: Maureen Lynne Yasko, Michael John Yasko, Danelle Jean Yasko, Scott Edward Yasko, Anthony Rikco Rhoades, Dawnikca Lynne Rhoades-Powell, Damon Rokco Rhoades, and Aaleigha Darlawna-Jean Austin. He is also survived by 9 great grandchildren: Monroe Penelope Yasko, Kensington Danielle Yasko, Presley Rae McElveen, Olivia Josephine McElveen, Damarion Donte Cooper, Karma Rebecca-Leigh Harris, Joaquin Edward Powell, JayPrince EverHoly Powell, and Jeffrey Eugene Powell.
Celebration of life memorial service will be held 11:30 am, Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shenandoah
Burial of cremains will be held 10:30 am, Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah with military rites by the Shenandoah American Legion Post 88 Color Guard.
Tributes
"Diana, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the loss of your father. I remember many wonderful times with you and your family....slumber parties, sporting events etc. Kim (Ketcham) Leininger"
"I spent most of my life with Don in it - first as a young child going to the games Don and my dad officiated. Town games playing softball, jr high and high school all sports. Summers watching A's games with his daughter Dawna. Don was a joy to be around and i know he will be greatly missed. R.I.P. big guy you have earned it!"
"I had Don umpire, officiate and referee many games when I was a player. Later he did many games when I was a HS and College baseball coach. There is only ONE Don Rhoades when it came to being in charge on the field. Many fond memories. May God bless you in this time of sorrow. "
"My condolences to Don's family. Don helped me get into umpiring and officiating football games. He was a great teacher and mentor. I loved Don's personality, he had a way to make people smile. We he was officiating or umpiring, there was no doubt who was in charge......."