John R. Rhode

John R. Rhode, 62, passed away on May 5, 2025, in Beaver Dam.

He was born on September 14, 1962, to Bruce and Raeburn Rhode. He grew up in Sugar Camp, and graduated from Three Lakes High School.

John was employed at Twist Drill (supervisor), Pitlik & Wick, A-1 Septic Service, and was the owner and operator of JR’s Small Engine & Welding Service. 

In his earlier years, he was an ambulance driver for Oneida County Medic 11 and served as assistant fire chief for the Sugar Camp Volunteer Fire Department. 

John’s hobbies included stock car and snowmobile racing, photography, playing bass guitar in his family’s garage band, wrenching on engines and riding his Harleys.

Survivors include his father; sisters Renae (Pete) Schoff of Three Lakes, Sherry (Tom) Dobbins and Jill Bauknecht of Sugar Camp; and brother Chris (Anna) Rhode, also of Sugar Camp, along with six nephews and their families, other family members and many friends. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, and grandparents Floyd and Emroy Rhode and Raymond and Mildred Bretl. 

John lived in Beaver Dam for many years, where he found a community of faith and friends. His family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to Juli Fugate and Sandy Oestreich. Their friendship, care, support and adventures meant everything to him.

A memorial gathering for John will be held at the Sugar Camp Town Hall pavilion on June 21 at 1 p.m.