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.