Frederick E. “Fred” Rhodes

Fred was born on Oct. 6, 1922, in Medford, Wis., to Lester and Maude (Doughty) Rhodes. He was raised in Medford, Wis., Niagara Falls, N.Y., and they finally settled in Niagara, Wis., and he was a 1940 graduate of Niagara Public High School.  He recently celebrated his 80th class reunion with a party at Maryhill that included his fellow classmates Annabelle Banks and Dru Eckelaert.

After graduation, Fred enlisted in the United States Navy and bravely battled for our freedom. He was involved in battles, invasions, and most notably, the Invasion at Normandy. He was a proud veteran and had the privilege of taking part in the Veterans Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., with his daughter Pam. He was also invited to the Capitol in Madison to celebrate the 70th anniversary of D-Day program, which he proudly attended. These experiences were very impactful for him, and following these trips, you would often find Fred wearing his World War II Veteran baseball cap.

After returning from the war, Fred courted and married Carmen Juline Farrington of Kingsford, Mich., on July 26, 1947. Fred and Carmen were blessed with three children, David, Pamela and Michelene. They celebrated 65 years of marriage and Carmen preceded him on Nov. 4, 2012.

Fred served the community of Niagara for many years as a Village Trustee.

He was a member of St. Anthony Parish and the Knights of Columbus.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially enjoyed his and his brother Roland’s hobby farm. 

Most of all he cherished the time he had with his children and grandchildren and making great memories. His favorite place on earth was Hi-Lo Acres, Pembine, Wis.  

Fred was loved by many and always had a smile, hug, nickname, and twinkle in his eye for all who knew him.

After a 44-year career in the testing department of the New Page Paper Mill, Fred retired. Following retirement, Fred and Carmen began 20 years of “snow birding” with their lifelong friends, Ray and Lois Steeno.  They enjoyed winters in Alabama, Texas and Mexico, before eventually settling in a permanent winter home in Sun City, Ariz.

Fred is survived by one son, David (Karen) Rhodes, Pleasant View, Utah;  two daughters, Pamela Vross, Pembine, Wis. and Michelene (Mark) Kaster, Green Bay, Wis.; six grandchildren, Piper (Cameron Smith) Rhodes, Ashley (Drew) Madasci, Michael (Lorrie) Vross, Matt Vross, Madison Kaster and Emma Kaster; seven great-grandchildren, Lexie, Libby, Ele, Matti and Gloria Vross, Ella Baker Smith and Lauren Madasci.  He is also survived by his baby sister, Marilyn Allen, brother-in-law, Eugene Farrington; sisters-in-law, Mescal Lindholm and Janine Romitti; special friend, Lola, and his fellow history buff Max Randall, along with many beloved Rhodes and Farrington nieces and nephews.

 Fred was predeceased, by his beloved wife, Carmen; his parents Lester and Maude, sister Ruth; and brothers Roland (Rose) and Stan (Tracy). 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Maryhill Manor family who loved and cared for Fred.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Niagara when the family can safely travel. 

You may leave a condolence or tribute for Fred’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.