Rhoda Dales

Rhoda Reiss Dales, born August 16, 1940, died in Glenview, Illinois on December 25, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Rhoda is survived by her children, Laura Walsh (Kevin) of Tampa, Florida, R. Peter Dales (Patricia) of Glenview, Illinois and Andrea Burke (Joe) of LaGrange Highlands, Illinois and her grandchildren, Allison and Megan Walsh, Julia Resuali (Evan), Peter, John and Steven Dales and Madelyn, William, Harry and Bridget Burke. In addition to her children and grandchildren she is survived by four siblings: Martha Dumonthier of Rocky River, OH; Bill (Tricia) Reiss of Sheboygan, WI; Alice (Byron) Scarborough of Fredericksburg, TX; and David Reiss of Fort Lauderdale, FL; brother in law George Baker of Glenview IL, brother and sister in law, David and Lila Dales of Minnetonka, MN and sister in law, Diane Ertel of Sheboygan, WI, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rhoda was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald P. Dales, her parents, Louise Carrere and William Anthony Reiss and her sister, Claudia Reiss Baker, as well as other beloved family members. 

Rhoda was born in Cleveland, OH, but was raised in Sheboygan, WI, later moving to Elkhart Lake, WI. She graduated from Sheboygan Central High School in 1958. Rhoda participated in AFS study abroad, living in Germany for a summer during her high school years. She earned her Education Degree from Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY in 1962 and returned to Sheboygan after graduation to teach 2^nd grade math prior to her marriage to Ron Dales in 1963.  She and Ron started a family and settled in Sheboygan. Rhoda enjoyed raising her family and was actively involved in the community. Throughout the years, Rhoda volunteered with St. Clement’s Catholic Church and School, Sheboygan Service Club, Sheboygan Lawyer’s Wives, Catholic Social Services, and Fresh Meals On Wheels of Sheboygan County. After moving to Elkhart Lake in 1994, Rhoda enjoyed summers with her grandchildren and especially the July 4^th candy parade. She was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. In 2000, Rhoda and Ron decided to winter in Bonita Springs, FL. While in Florida, they enjoyed forging new friendships and spending time on the golf course and at the beach. Rhoda had many wonderful friends in both Wisconsin and Florida and treasured the time spent with all of them throughout the years.

Rhoda was a talented pianist and especially enjoyed a good rendition of “Some Enchanted Evening”.  She was also gifted at the art of needlepoint and created a beautiful Christmas stocking for each grandchild. These stockings, along with all her needlepoint projects, entailed not only time and expertise, but also a good dose of love! They will be treasured for years to come.  Rhoda also enjoyed playing golf, reading, walking, playing bridge and mahjong and traveling. She shared many wonderful stories of trips with family and friends over her lifetime and never tired of meeting new people and experiencing new places.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Cedar Community in Elkhart Lake and Emerald Place in Glenview, IL for all the care and compassion they provided to Rhoda in the last few years of her life.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Elkhart Lake, WI at 11:30am on Friday, January 12, 2024, officiated by Father Subi Thomas, Pastor. Visitation will be at the Church prior to Mass from 10:00 – 11:30. Burial will take place in a private family ceremony at Calvary Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Rhoda’s memory to Fresh Meals On Wheels of Sheboygan County or a charity of your choice.

Rhoda will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother and a true and loyal sibling and friend. Her memory will remain in our hearts and her earthly presence will be truly missed!