Richard Edwards Rhoades

Richard Edward Rhoades, son of Christopher and Glenn Rhoades, was born December 19, 1936, in Red Bluff, California and slept away on September 24, 2025, in Lake Norden, SD, at the age of 88 years, nine months, and five days.

Richard moved from California to Portland, OR at the age of 20. He was united in marriage to his dear wife, Eunice Kinonen, on March 01, 1958. They had been married for 53 years when Eunice was called from this earth in 2011.

At a young age, Jesus became so precious to Richard and remained his heart’s treasure all his days. More than anything, his desire was that he and his family would all be children of God and truly be partakers of living faith. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 1:4

Richard loved his family and was a very giving man. Up until the end, he loved to go baby shopping and get a box of baby clothes sent to welcome each new baby in his family. He also remembered each of his family on their birthdays and couples on their anniversary, with cards and gifts. Richard listened for the needs of others and often gave when he knew there was a need.

Richard was a hobby farmer for most of his life. He worked as an accountant, job supervisor for a general contractor, and started his own plumbing company in 1977. He worked in that profession until he retired in 1996, at 60 years old.

Left to grieve and miss him are his children: Richard with Katherine Rhoades of Battle Ground, WA; Daniel with Nadine Rhoades of Centerville, WA; Charity with Paul Hill of Benton City, WA; Darla with Karl Tervo of Campobello, SC; Denise with Joel Ketola of Ephrata, WA; Nancy with Ron Gilkerson of Woodland, WA; Nathaniel with Sally Rhoades of Erwin, SD; Elva with David Kulla of Yacolt, WA; Ramona with James Stenersen of Lake Norden, SD; Chester Rhoades of Hermiston, OR; Clara with Anders Sundqvist of Hayti, SD; and Leona with Tim Traffie of Rindge, NH. 130 grandchildren, 227 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren. Two sisters: Elizabeth Rhoades of Brush Prairie, WA, Norma Matson of La Center, WA, brother-in-law Stewart Seppanen, sisters-in-law Violet Rhoades and Elsie Holsti, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of brothers and sisters in Christ.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife Eunice, his infant daughter Norma May, his parents, two brothers, and two sisters.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Apostolic Lutheran Church in rural Lake Norden, SD. Dan Seppanen and Dave Lappi will officiate.

Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service starting at 1:00 p.m. at the church.

Burial will be at the Gravel Point Cemetery in Battle Ground, WA.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti.