James A. Rhode

James A. Rhode, 76, formerly of 252 Second Street, Oakfield, found Eternal Peace on Saturday, October 18, 2008, at St. Francis Home. He was born October 8, 1932, in Lamartine, the son of Wilbert and Edith Hoddinott Rhode. On May 26, 1984, he married Barbara Brauer Cousins at St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mr. Rhode was a member of St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. He was a veteran of the US Air Force serving in England from 1952 to 1956. He was formerly employed by the US Postal Service as a rural letter carrier for 35 years, retiring in 1990. James was a self-employed carpenter and drove school bus for 17 years. He was a member of the Oakfield Lions Club, was involved in boys baseball, both as a coach and umpire, was a member of Trier-Puddy American Legion Post #75, and was a member of the Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Rhode was a past President of the Wisconsin Rural Letter Carriers Association and was a past State Steward. He enjoyed playing golf with Doc Hanson. Surviving is his wife, Barbara, his children, Steven (Wendy) Rhode of North Fond du Lac, Ann (Jeffrey) Kulka of Beaver Dam, Stephen Cousins of Martinsburg, WV, Cristine (Mario) Pacheco of Miami, FL, Major John Cousins USAF, Charleston, SC, and Heather (Jeff) Wettschurack of Fountain Hills, AZ; grandchildren, Karla (Ed) Gelhar, Eric and Michael Rhode, Nichole and Jenna Roedl, Kathy Kulka, Sara (Nick) Weller, Valerie and Britton Cousins, Madison, Eva, and Isabella Pacheco, Kyle Clark and Kelly Cousins, Mikah Jo and Easton Wettschurack, Miranda, Breanna, and Jessica Hanson. He is further survived by his great-grandchildren Bryce, Kayla, & Troy Gelhar, his in-laws, Bill (Audrey) Brauer III of Oakfield, Dick (Carol) Brauer of Fremont, and Patricia (Tom) Oldfield, Big Rapids, MI, special friends Darwin and Elna Anibal, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Christopher Roedl, aunts, uncles, and cousins.



Visitation for Mr. James A. Rhode will be on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 from 4 to 8 at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, and on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, from 10 to 11 am at St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 245 S. Second Street, Oakfield. Funeral services will be at 11 am at the church on Wednesday. The Rev. David Putz will officiate and burial will be in Avoca Cemetery. The family requests that memorials be directed to St. Luke's Church, St. Francis Home, or the Cancer Center. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.comThe family would like to express a sincere thank you to Dr. Wang and Chris, and the entire staff of St. Francis Home.