Richard J. T. Rhode

Richard John Thomas Rhode, age 77 of Appleton, WI passed away on May 19, 2024 after a long-fought battle with cancer.  He was born to John and Elva (Bockhaus) Rhode on March 7, 1947 in Rhinelander, WI.   Rich graduated from Rhinelander Union High School with the class of ’65 and went on to achieve his Master of Science degree from the University of Oshkosh.  With his degree in history education, he taught social studies, science, English, and math at Maplewood Middle School and was the longest serving teacher in the Menasha School District.  

Rich was a very sociable man and well-known in the community as a fun, loving, selfless man.  He would do anything for anybody without expecting anything in return.  He volunteered much of his time for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in the Fox Valley before becoming a counselor and board member with the organization.  Rich never had a complaint to air in his life.  Before his passion for teaching, he went through several years of seminary school and might have become a priest had it not been for that dang Latin class.   He loved gardening and had a special love for his purple irises.  Rich loved animals and animals loved him, especially his granddogs and grandcats.  He was always proud to have a pocket full of quarters for laundry or any other purpose where he might need them.  Rich was also known by his letters that he’d send to people for special occasions or just because he wanted to reach out and say hi.  More than anything, though, Rich loved his family and cherished every moment he had with them.  

Rich will be dearly missed by his children, James, Jenna, Thomas (Alida), Christine (Kevin), and Rob (Stephanie); his grandchildren, Madeline, Lily, Mya, Shaya, Killian, Adeline, and Liam; his siblings, Barbara (Art) and Jane (Lance); his long-time friend and mother of his children, Elaine; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.  

Rich is preceded in death by his parents, John and Elva; and his nephew, Andy.

A funeral visitation will be held for Rich on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 2-4 PM at Wichmann Tri-County Chapel, 1592 Oneida St, Menasha, WI 54914 with a celebration of life service to follow at 4 PM.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to NAMI Fox Valley in honor of Rich using the link below.

“Say ‘goodnight, Dick’” – Rich.