Richard G. Rhoads

Richard G. Rhoads, age 80, passed into the loving arms of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at his home in Oregon, Illinois after a long illness. Born January 16, 1946, in Mankato, MN, to Janet Lou (Smith) and Mervin R. Rhoads. Rich was a graduate of Oregon High School class of 1964. He attended Wisconsin State University-Platteville prior to enlisting in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years. Rich served in bases in Texas; Montauk, NY; Indian Springs, Nevada; and Udorn, Thailand during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1969 as Staff Sergeant. He graduated from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL with a Bachelor of Science in Education under the G.I. Bill. On July 1, 1972, Rich married Mary Ann Dirksen at Ebenezer Reformed Church in Oregon, IL. Over the years, Rich was employed by Swift & Co, Rochelle, IL; Ogle County Lumber Company; Heinz Electric; City of Oregon, IL; and retired from Commonwealth Edison after working over 20 years at the Byron Nuclear Plant. Rich volunteered with the Oregon Fire Department / Protection District for over 54 years as a Fireman and Trustee. He was a lifetime member of the Oregon VFW Post 8739. He also served on the Oregon Planning Commission; Oregon Depot Restoration; Trustee / Sexton of the Oregon Riverview Cemetery and Trustee of the Oregon United Methodist Church. He enjoyed volunteering and the friendships of those he worked alongside. Rich and Mary Ann were co-owners of Oregon Super Wash (Sudsy Wash) car wash for 32 years. After retiring from ComEd, Rich owned his own electrical wiring business in the Oregon area and plowed snow for Oregon / Nashua Township. In his later years, Rich relearned and enjoyed playing the piano and organ. Family trips, school sporting events, and holiday dinners were the highlights of Rich’s life. Rich was a member of the Oregon United Methodist Church and believed in the power of prayer for strength to handle life’s challenges. Rich is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Mary Ann Rhoads; sons Steven of Rockford and Brian (Mary) of Highland Park, IL; grandson Luke and granddaughter Eryn; sister Mary Alice (Eric) Van Est of Rockford, IL; brother-in-law Tom Read of Cedar Rapids, IA and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Elizabeth “Betsy” (Rhoads) Read. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S 7th Street, Oregon, IL. Funeral services with full military and fire service honors will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Oregon United Methodist Church at 200 S 4th Street, Oregon, IL with Reverend Dr. Megan Smick officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded after the funeral service with a private interment at Riverview Cemetery, Oregon, IL at a later date. Memorials may be made to Oregon Fire Protection District.