Submitted by: Dan Rich

Walter L. Rhodes

June 29, 1924 - Sept. 23, 2008

South Bend Tribune 9/24/2008
SOUTH BEND - Walter L. Rhodes, 84, passed away comfortably at 7:55 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2008, in his home under family and Hospice care. Walter was born on June 29, 1924, in Mishawaka, IN, to the late Clarence and Hazel (Sheeley) Rhodes. Also preceding him in death was a brother, Charles Westley Rhodes. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sophia (Skubis) Rhodes; children, Cynthia (Mark DeCoudres) Fuller and Larre (Melonie) Rhodes, both of South Bend; grandchildren, Angela (Mike) Hannah of McCordsville, IN, Matthew and Bradley Rhodes of South Bend, Tyler and Brittney Fuller of South Bend; sisters, Mary Ann (Joseph) Bortone of Mishawaka, Audrey (Henry) Gizewski of Osceola; a sister-in-law, Jean Rhodes of South Bend; and several special nieces and nephews. Walter was born and grew up in the shadows of the Golden Dome, an avid Notre Dame sports and NBA basketball fan. He attended many home and away football games and even bowl games. He loved to travel, taking many cruises and visiting almost every state. Holidays and family gatherings were very important to him. He would help any member of his family as well as friends. He was a supervisor in the construction industry and was a lifetime member of Carpenters Union Local 413. He served in the U.S. Army during the China-Burma-India conflict, building bridges, and belonged to American Legion Post 303. He was a former co-owner, along with other family members, of Celebrations Unlimited in Mishawaka, enjoyed Twirl-A-Ways square dancing, and made many lifelong friends.