Daniel Rhodes

Daniel Rhodes, 80, of Fort Wayne, passed away January 19, 2023. He was born in Springfield, Illinois on October 27, 1942 to the late Kenneth and Mary Rhodes. He married his high school sweetheart Susan Wagner on July 24, 1966. He often said some of his happiest times in life were when his children were young. He and Sue loved showing their children the natural beauty of our country. Trips to the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and skiing in Colorado were highlights. An avid runner throughout life, he continued staying active until the end of his days.

Daniel earned his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin and later worked as and became one of the leading sales managers for RJ Reynold’s Tobacco Company.

Dan valued connection and friendship with anyone he met. He did not know a stranger. He treated everyone as a friend. He was compassionate and uplifting. He made people feel valued.

Dan was a dog whisperer. He loved all of his past dogs deeply.

After retirement, Dan volunteered at Matthew 25. He was a member of the Chapel Christian Church and was active in rescue missions to Haiti and Biloxi. He also devoted much of his time to Hospice. Dan was an empathetic person and he used this gift to support others at the end of their life’s journey.

He was a devoted grandpa to all of his five grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Susan; three children, Kelly Schoenefeld, Matthew (Caroline) Rhodes and Polly Rhodes (Artie Regan); and five grandchildren, Alexis and Justin Schoenefeld, Evan and Amelia Rhodes, and Bodhi Rhodes.

Services will be held privately in the spring.