Richard Edward Rhoades, son of Christopher and Glenn Rhoades, was born Dec. 19, 1936, in Red Bluff, California, and slept away on Sept. 24, 2025, in Lake Norden, South Dakota, at the age of 88 years, nine months and five days.
Richard moved from California to Portland, Oregon, at the age of 20. He was united in marriage to his dear wife, Eunice Kinonen, on March 1, 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 send a box of baby clothes to welcome each new baby in his family. He also remembered each of his family members on their birthdays and couples on their anniversaries, 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, Washington; Daniel with Nadine Rhoades of Centerville, Washington; Charity with Paul Hill of Benton City, Washington; Darla with Karl Tervo of Campobello, South Carolina; Denise with Joel Ketola of Ephrata, Washington; Nancy with Ron Gilkerson of Woodland, Washington; Nathaniel with Sally Rhoades of Erwin, South Dakota; Elva with David Kulla of Yacolt, Washington; Ramona with James Stenersen of Lake Norden, South Dakota; Chester Rhoades of Hermiston, Oregon; Clara with Anders Sundqvist of Hayti, South Dakota; and Leona with Tim Traffie of Rindge, New Hampshire. He is also survived by 130 grandchildren, 227 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Elizabeth Rhoades of Brush Prairie, Washington, and Norma Matson of La Center, Washington; 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 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at Apostolic Lutheran Church in rural Lake Norden, South Dakota. Dan Seppanen and Dave Lappi will officiate.
Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service, starting at 1 p.m. at the church. Burial will be at Gravel Point Cemetery in Battle Ground, Washington.
Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel, Watertown and Hayti. www.crawfordosthus.com
