William Rhode

William K. Rhode, age 83 of Cottage Grove, passed away on Sept. 1, 2015 at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, St. Paul Park. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-8 pm at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 – 80th Street S., Cottage Grove and also one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will take place at Ft. Snelling.

William Kenneth Rhode was born March 5, 1932 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Joseph and Vivian (Brisson) Rhode. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1948, joined the US Navy and served in the Korean War. After he was discharged from the military in 1954, he met Loretta Zimprich and the two of them were married on September 14, 1957. They lived in St. Paul for a short time before making their home in Cottage Grove the following year. Bill's working career started by painting railroad cars for the Great Northern Railroad before attending the University of Minnesota. He then took on a plumbing apprenticeship and then became a plumber with the Plumbers Local 34 until retiring in 1992. He had a love for dogs, especially his award winning Labrador, Duke. Bill enjoyed all sports , including the outdoors, where he spent countless hours hunting and fishing. He was a family man and loved his wife, children and grandchildren dearly.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Loretta; children Julie (Dan) Winsor, Bill Jr. (Kristi), Kenneth (significant other Annette), Ladine (Jon) Krueger, Betty (Erling) Hansen, Joseph (Judy), Marie (Mark) Pachares & Steven (Polly); 20 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, George (Judy), Betty (George) Jodl; Jack (Juanita); sisters-in-law, Mary Helen and Nancy Rhode as well as many nieces, nephews, family & friends. Preceded by parents, Joseph & Vivian; great-granddaughter Ava Marie; brothers Joseph and Thomas.