August 6, 2024 – Hartford, WI – David Michael Rhode, 75, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at his home in Hartford, WI. He was born on April 11, 1949, in Milwaukee, WI to Harland and Mary Jane (nee Leverance) Rhode.
David served in the United States Army National Guard for 20 years, 1 month and 4 days. He earned is BS and master’s in education, teaching History, Psychology and some football coaching, mainly at Kewaskum High School and then subbing at Hartford High School.
He married his love, Kay Bast on February 12, 1993. He has been a longtime resident both Slinger and Hartford. He was a football and basketball player at Slinger High School.
David enjoyed working on their farm, raising Percheron Draft Horses, showing horses, circus parades, carriage for weddings, local parades, gardening and spending time with their Amish friends. Â Â Dave loved sports following local and state teams.
Dave and Kay are lifetime members of the Percheron Horse Association of America.  Dave and Kay also owned WACO Washington County Process serving legal documents. Dave was a student of the Bible growing up Catholic, he also attended Our Saviour’s Church UCC with Kay, and most recently attended bible study at St Paul’s Evangelical Church in Slinger.
David is forever loved by his wife, Kay and her siblings include sisters-in-law Jill Rosenshield (Gary), Patricia Kirchherr (Bill), Joanne Bast-Wittke (Tom). Nephews Mark Rosenshield (Claudia), Adam Rose (Jaquelina), nieces Amy Meyers (Randy), Kim Kirchherr.
David’s siblings include Stephen (Janet nee Pouchnik), Barbara (Robert Schuelke) and John (Bridget nee Sewery). He was honored and admired by his nephews Jeffrey and Timothy Schuelke, and nieces Alissa, Molly and Angelyn Rhode. Claire and Madelyn Rhode and Elizabeth Grimm. Younger great nieces and nephews always looked forward to field trips to Uncle David’s farm to be entertained with the Percheron horses, tractor wagon and carriage rides he always so patiently and lovingly provided.
Dave was born into a musical family. He was the lead singer in the sibling quartet performing many times for family parties and anniversaries. As a young boy and before his voice changed, he sang tenor with bother Steve and the older boys in the Slinger Happy Workers 4H club in the early 60’s and winning many state contests, music was always a part of his life, enjoying gospel music and catching Lawrence Welk show.
He is further survived by many blessed friends. Dale Margraf a special friend from Slinger. The 7 O’clock coffee gang Monday through Friday where in a half hour they were on top of the answers to solve issues of politics, sports, etc……Jim, Bill, Gary and Richard
A Funeral Service will be at 3 p.m. on Thursday August 15, 2024 at the Phillip Funeral Home (1420 W. Paradise Dr. West Bend, WI 53095). Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday, August 15 from 1 p.m. until 2:45 p.m.
Memorials
Our Saviour’s UCC Germantown, WI or St Peter Catholic Church Cemetery Care Slinger
