"I consider myself fortunate to have worked with Rhonda & Wayne in the Wisconsin District NYI. They both were a huge help and encouragement to me as we worked side by side with many others to make the teen events happen. I remember when District Teen Camp was being relaunched and Rhonda was one of the first ones to pipe up and say, "Mattoon Church teens will be there". She said what she meant. I so appreciated the fact that I could talk to her about anything and her desire for kids and teens in her church and the district to get saved and grow in the Lord was always so evident. She loved the Lord, her family, and her church family with an unmatched energy. I'm sorry I won't see her again on this side of eternity, but I will treasure the moments until we meet again. Hugs to her family, extended family and church family. Your Sister-in-Christ, Kari Hayes Halling New Life Church of the Nazarene - Wheeler, WI"
In loving memory of
Rhonda Hapke
January 23, 1965 - February 14, 2023
Rhonda Hapke, age 58, of Birnamwood, met her Lord and Savior on February 14, 2023. She was born on January 23, 1965, in Antigo, the daughter of Lee and Dona (Fry) Nichols. She married the love of her life, Wayne Hapke, on March 20, 1992.
Rhonda graduated from Antigo High School, class of 1983. She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene where she was a youth group leader of 18 years, volunteered for Vacation Bible School, and started "Kids Church" in Antigo. She had a passion for connecting youth to Jesus.
She had a deep love for her family and her Lord. Her greatest accomplishment in life was becoming a mother. Rhonda was a loving and devoted mother to not only her two children, Brandon and Kacy, but to many others that come into her life. She was excited to hold the title Grandma in anticipation of meeting her new grandchild in April.
Rhonda had a business she placed in the Lord's hands called Magnets by Design, selling handcrafted magnets online and at craft shows. Through her business, she was able to touch lives all over the United States.
She will be deeply missed by her husband, Wayne; son, Brandon (Keah) Hapke of Antigo; daughter, Kacy (Tyler) Weber of Antigo; her parents, Lee and Dona Nichols of Mattoon; three brothers, Jerry (Carla) Nichols of Mattoon, Lee (Shannon) Nichols of Portage, and Michael (Heidi) Nichols of Antigo; father-in-law, Wayne Hapke of Bowler; and sister-in-law, Peggy (Steve) Hille of Tigerton.
She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Mary Hapke.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Nazarene in Mattoon with Reverend Bob Hess officiating.
Visitation will be held on Saturday at the church from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Tributes
"Wayne and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you and all of Rhonda's family and friends. Hold dear all the special memories. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. With our deepest sympathies and love, Jennifer and Joe Buczak"
"I can not even find words to express the heartbreak of loosing such an amazing friend. The huge gap she will leave in so many lives because of the time and love she consistently invested and joyously gave to others. I am still saying ?How can it be!?? Such a wonderful, life long friend. The memories we made and shared through our years growing up in ?little ole Mattoon? are so numerous and filled with laughter and fun. I still can see her at the door of the camper in their driveway, collecting a nickel from each girl as we entered for our weekly Girls Club meeting. I never float on an inner tube without instantly remembering the hours we spent on the lake. Such an Incredible daughter, wife, mother and soon to be grandmother. Tears are rolling as I think how excited she was to be a first time grandmother. May God?s comfort and strength be poured out on the family and friends. How I wish I could be there for the service but distance does not allow it. I will be there in prayer and in thought in every moment. Sending my love to all ?back home?. Tammy "
"My children have participated in several youth activities at the church. Even tho we are not members she was very kind and always made us feel very welcome. Her lose will be felt by many both in her church and the community. She touched so many lives. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone mourning her loss."
"The loss of Rhonda brings so much sadness but the love she had for everyone will continue to live on. Rhonda was a friend who allowed God to lead her every step of the way. She showered people with unconditional kindness, prayers that were unknown, and a love that will be missed forever. My deepest sympathy and much love to each one of you, Audra Stauss"
"Rhonda was my leader for Caravans at church. She was always so caring and happy. "
"Wayne and family, there truly are no words. Rhonda was a wonderful Christian woman. Always so kind, so giving and stepped in and helped when we needed someone at the graphics. She loved the Lord and it showed in everything she did. We appreciate all she did taking care of things at home when you were over the road for us. It is not an easy life but she was nothing but supportive to you and us. All our love and prayers. Karl and Jil All of us at Karl?s Transport "
"Rhonda was such a good friend! Always a smile, always a hug, always love! The love for her Lord was evident in everything she did. The love for her family was abundant! She will be missed. Love to the family Lee, Donna, Jerry, Lee, Michael, Wayne, Kacey and Brandon."
"My deepest condolences to your family. I knew Rhonda from doing craft shows. She was one of the most kind and caring person I ever met. She will be greatly missed. Prayers for the family. Sincerely, Paula Jenkins"
"Rhonda was a very special lady she was always full of smiles and a big hug, never could pass you by, she will be sadly missed by all. Prayers for the family from, Cindy and the kids "
"Wayne and family, So sorry for your loss. Rhonda will be truly missed."
"So sorry for your loss still have the memory of Ronda singing in church Mark & Sharon Knowles"
"Rhonda will be forever missed by our family. She babysat our kids and was their teacher in the Caravan group. Will never forget our first Caravan camping trip, with Rhonda as our guide! She was so full of love and life. May you rest with God in Heaven. Our deepest sympathy to Wayne, Brandon, Kacy, Dona, Lee & the whole Nichols family."