Benjamin “Benny” L. Rhoades

“Benny” Benjamin L. Rhoades, passed at home on December 7, 2025, in Rhinelander. Born on March 6, 1950, in Evansville, Ind., he spent much of his young adult years in Chicago, exploring creative arts and culture of the 70s and 80s, before moving to Rhinelander in the mid-90s.

He is survived by nieces and a nephew: Crystal Brown, Jennifer, and Jeffrey; one brother Clarence Brown. Also surviving are close friends in the Rhinelander area.

He is preceded in death by his beloved companion, Mark Adler, mother, Helen Freudenberg, father, Clarence Rhoades, nephew David Brown, and his dear dogs: Sza Sza, Lucy, and Lilly.

Benny was first and foremost an artist.

He would rather create than eat.

He graduated from beauty school and later owned his own floral shop in Chicago. He was a fiber artist and even served as a model.

Crystal recalls his desire to devote time to art and encourage curiosity. Having been a person who struggled with an undiagnosed learning disability, he sought to foster learning in his nieces and nephews. Gifts were often focused on science, reading, and art.

He inspired a desire to always try different things and to pursue art with reckless abandon, as it should be.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established to support youth in their exploration of art, with plans to display Benny’s art locally. Memorial contributions in memory of Benny may be sent to Crystal Brown, 862 Hubbard Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 54303.

Internment of ashes and a memorial service will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Northland Memorial Park located at 4239 N. Shore Drive, Rhinelander. Please meet at the cemetery by 10:45 a.m.