Keith A. Rhode

Keith Rhode, 71, of Oshkosh passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at Theda Care Regional Medical Center in Neenah, surrounded by his family following a traumatic brain injury after a fall. 

Keith Alan Rhode was born to Don and Gloria Rhode on December 5, 1952 in Fond du Lac. His family moved to Oshkosh when he was in 2nd grade. He graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1971. After high school he worked at Coca Cola as a delivery driver. He started at Oshkosh Truck July 9, 1973, retiring on December 31, 2014 after 41 ½ years. 

Keith met Linda at the end of his senior year of high school. They married April 20, 1974 and just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary – with close family and friends. 

Keith and Linda loved traveling with their children and friends to Disney World, Mexico, Alaska, Washington DC, and Michigan – admiring the Dunes. They also enjoyed many scenic drives either on the Harley or in the mustang to find a restaurant for a burger. 

Keith was a Southside Ice Yacht Club member for 34 years, where he enjoyed taking his turn at bartending on Friday nights. He was the ultimate prankster with the amazing ability to keep a straight face. Keeping an immaculate clean vehicle was his passion– by going to the car wash every day. Listening to Loud Music in the garage was an everyday event. He knew how to use every tool in his garage and could tackle any project from painting a room to adding new chrome to his new vehicle of the week. A LOUD TV would be on in every room, whether he was in there or not. 

Finding out in retirement, you become a chauffeur. He took the grand kids to and from school, to and from work, sports camps, practices, dentists and orthodontists, always bringing a treat.

He “Loved” sitting through Christmas programs, band concerts, AND especially long dance recitals.

The grandchildren loved “doing pennies” with Papa every week, looking for that special wheat penny. 

Keith is survived by his loving wife Linda of 50+ years, their children Shelby (Jerod) Lloyd and Lance (Shelly) Rhode. He was a fantastic Papa to Gavin, Evan, Emma, Malley, Greysen, Trent, Leighton, Traxton, and Kase, and great-grandchild due in September. Sister, Sharon Rhode. Father-in-law Lee Mauritz. Brother-in-law and Sister-law-law Rob and JoAnne Mauritz. Niece Lauren Mauritz and Nephew Johnathan (Amber) Mauritz. Great nephews Jordy and Aaron Mauritz. Many dear friends, especially childhood friends, Jim and Eric. 

Preceding him in death – his parents Don and Gloria Rhode, his brother, Dennis, mother-in-law Betty Mauritz (May 19, 2024). And his maternal grandparents, Dave and Mollie Lutz, paternal grandparents Herman and Irene Rhode.

Keith was a hard working (until retirement), devoted and loving Husband, Dad, Papa, Friend and Neighbor. He will be dearly missed every single day!!!!!

Funeral services for family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 20th at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home-Westside, 100 Lake Pointe Dr. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Service and Sharing of Memories will be at 7:00 PM. *Bring a story, a memory, or a prank he pulled on you and let’s celebrate this amazing Husband, Dad, Papa, and Friend!

A private burial will be held at a later date.