Ronald Kenneth Rhode

Ronald Kenneth Rhode, age 79 of Menasha, WI passed away on August 15, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born to Joseph and Rose (Wippich) Rhode on August 27, 1945 in Neenah, WI. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Menasha with the class of ’63, Ronnie took up work as a millwright for Menasha Corporation. He also served his country in the Army during the era of the Vietnam War and was stationed in Turkey. Ronnie married the love of his life, Laurie Dallman on June 14 of 1969, and together they had two wonderful children, Dustin and Mark.

Ronnie was a simple man with simple pleasures. He was a lover of nature and wildlife; including his beloved ducks. He enjoyed local sights, especially trips with his boys out to Horicon Marsh and the Medina hike/bike trail. Ronnie had secret talents, such as sailing and building/operating remote control airplanes and boats. He enjoyed long bike rides, often clocking over 40 miles in his ventures. You could often find Ronnie at his favorite spots around town, such as the Club Tavern in Menasha almost every Friday or Saturday for their fish fry or broasted chicken. Ronnie loved his family and cherished the time he spent with them, even if he didn’t always express it in the traditional way.

Ronnie will be missed by his wife, Laurie; his children, Dustin (Kelly) and Mark (Pam); and two granddaughters, Haven and Maitlyn Rhode.  Ronnie is also survived by his sisters, Marilyn Gardner and Emily (James) Funk; his brother, Alan (Dee) Rhode; his sisters-in-law, Linda Rhode, Gail (Jerry) Ashbeck, and Pam Peterson; his brother-in-law, Joe (Melody) Dallman; and numerous family and friends.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph & Rose; his brother, Lyle; his parents-in-law, Mervin & Verna Dallman; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, John (Cindy) Dallman, Carla Dallman, and Don Peterson.

Special thank you to doctors, nurses, and staff at ThedaCare emergency room, 5th floor care, and ICU. A very special thank you as well for the compassionate care of the nurses and staff at the Cherry Meadows hospice.

A funeral visitation will be held for Ronnie from 2:30 – 4:30 PM on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Wichmann-Laemmrich Chapel, 312 Milwaukee St, Menasha, WI 54952 with a funeral service to follow at 4:30 PM.