Thomas E. Rhode, 90, of Crystal, MN passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 28, 2021. Tom was born on Sept. 11, 1931, in Minneapolis, MN to Bernard “Ben” and Kathleen (Marshall) Rhode. Tom attended DeLaSalle High School and graduated (1948) with a trade in Sheet Metal Fabrication from Vocational School. Tom was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving 23 years as Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves until his retirement (1972). He became partner in Plymouth Our Own Hardware store with his father (Ben) until 1971 and later founded the company, Rhode’s Lock and Glass (1972-Present). He was an active member for Northside Lions, Northside Business, American Legion Post 251, Knights of Columbus Council 3656, Minnesota and National Chapters of Associated Locksmiths of America, and was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Community – Parish Center, New Hope. Tom met the love of his life, Lavern (Fries) in 1954 at the Catholic Youth Center and married at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Minneapolis, MN on July 9, 1955. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage and six children, resided in Crystal, MN to raise their family. Tom will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all that knew him. He is survived by his wife Lavern Rhode, children Jim (Delire) Rhode of Buffalo, Connie (John) Bolduc of Greenfield, Colleen (Randy) Heino of Annandale, Kert (Kathy) Rhode of Corcoran, Mary Beth (James) Collis of Oakdale, and Tim (Brenda) Rhode of Greenfield; 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; sister in-laws Sister Beverly Fries (School Sisters of Notre Dame) and Laurell (Fries) Ostrow; niece Julie (Bill) Shea and a great-niece and great-nephew. Tom was proceeded in death by his parents Ben and Kathleen Rhode, sister Bonita (Rhode) Audibert, and brother in-law Alvin “Ozzie” Ostrow. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Community – Parish Center, New Hope. Service at 11:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to service (10:30 a.m.). Tom will be laid to rest at Gethsemane Cemetery.
Thomas Rhode
