Last Updated on January 14, 2021 by Kroeger Funeral Home
On January 14, 2021, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, David Rhodes, 38, Logansport, was welcomed home by his loving Father exchanging this world of turmoil for a world of healing and peace for eternity.
He was born in Logansport on September 3, 1982 to Stephen M. and Debra S. Plotner Rhodes.
He was a 2001 LHS grad, where he played soccer, wrestling and football. He graduated from Grace College in 2005 where he played goalie on the soccer team.
He went on to receive his masters degree and began his career working with at-risk youth.
David fell in love with the big city while in high school. He lived for seven years in Chicago, IL and 3 years in Portland, OR before moving back to Logansport.
He loved art in many forms, but especially in the forms of sketching, photography and tattoos; and all genres of music from jazz to heavy metal, but especially liked 30’s and 40’s music.
His daughter, Isabella, was the love of his life. They adored each other, which was very apparent to anyone who saw them together. They loved being goofy together, watching Charlie Brown movies, going to the carousel, listening to Christmas music all year round, dancing together, and playing soccer in the park.
David felt his calling was to work with at-risk youth to help them see their worth and potential, and to help move them onto a better path in life. This was his work path for many years and he had imaginative ways to reach them. He was very approachable and available to them.
He also felt called to reach youth for Christ and was able to lead many to salvation through Jesus Christ during youth activities and Sunday school classes. Youth who didn’t attend church accepted his invitation to attend youth group activities and learned from him. David’s knowledge of the Bible was vast and his theology went well beyond what many around him could follow, but he had a way of reaching young people.
David had many who loved him, but his closest friendships were with his “brother” Pete Brucato, YunTheng To, & Stormy Fiscel.
Surviving David are his parents, Steve and Deb Rhodes, Logansport; daughter, Isabella Rhodes, Logansport; aunts, Susan Whitehair, Albany, Stephanie (Mark) Nafziger,Rochester, Judy Willis, Knoxville, TN, Pam (Jeff) Schmaltz, Royal Center, and Georgena (Terry) Bayless, Franklin; uncles, Ron Plotner (Deb Daily), Lafayette, and “Uncle” Ted Denton, Rochester.
Also surviving are cousins, Brandon (Kylie) Schmaltz, Royal Center, Brittany Schmaltz, Royal Center, Curt Willis, Knoxville, TN, Tony (Robin) Willis, Jefferson City, TN, Kati (Allen) Ghent, Franklin, Courtney (Luke) Bowyer, Rochester, Scott Miller, Rochester, Abi (Lucas) Wright, Albany, Whitney (Drew) Hood, Alexandria, Macy Whitehair, Indianapolis, and Morgan (Yadi) Whitehair, Tucson, AZ.
He was preceded in death by sister, Natalie Rhodes Gerhart; cousins, Blake Schmaltz and Skylar Whitehair; paternal grandparents, Bob and Carolyn Rhodes; maternal grandparents, George and Jean Plotner Parish and Grandpa Glen Parish; and uncle Chuck Whitehair.
Three people received the gift of life from David as he was able to donate organs through the Indiana Donor Network.
There will be a public visitation on Monday, January 18, 2021, at Kroeger Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Full Cass County COVID precautions will be observed at the funeral home, which is limited to 25 people in the building at any time.
Due to the current COVID restrictions, the funeral service will be private and will be live-streamed at 1:30 p.m., also on Monday, and may be viewed by going to David’s obituary at www.kroegerfuneralhome.com. Click on the link at the top of the obituary page. Mr. Chuck LaDow will officiate the service.
Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Ben Grant.
Memorial contributions can be made to the LHS Alumni Association, 1 Berry Lane, Logansport, IN 46947 for the Logansport Alternative School program. This program focuses on students who are at risk due to varying factors, and works to address their needs 1:1 academically, socially, & emotionally.
Family and friends may leave a memory of message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.kroegerfuneralhome.com.