Patrick William Rhody

Patrick William "Pat" Rhody, of Huntley, IL, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on February 9, 2026, at age 81. Pat was born on January 9, 1945, in Milwaukee, WI, to the late Elmer and Marguerite (Gross) Rhody. He completed his elementary education at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School in Naperville, IL, and earned his high school diploma from West High School in Wauwatosa, WI. After completing his compulsory education, he earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Procopius College, followed by his Master of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University.

Pat was a prodigious reader with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. This, coupled with his post-secondary studies, manifested into a career in education, first as a teacher and later as an administrator, before later transitioning to work in social services. A gifted orator, he was a frequent reader at the various churches he attended throughout his life. He also enjoyed reading to his children; a favorite series being the Little House on the Prairie novels.

Pat’s gentle nature, friendly demeanor, and his uncanny ability to see the best in people were hallmarks of his personality that were appreciated by all who knew him. Never one to be sedentary, he seemed to always be on the move – whether it was jogging, bicycling, or working on projects around the house. A prolific tinkerer, he was always looking for innovative solutions to everyday problems and was happy to share his advice and discoveries with anyone who could benefit.

Pat is survived by his three sons, Michael (Karina) Rhody, Steven (Stacey) Rhody, and Jeffrey (Jessica) Rhody; his daughter, Rachel (Nathan) Carman; eight grandchildren, Aiden, Evan, Lillian, Danielle, Nicholas (fiancée Elizabeth Troy), Gibson, Charlotte, and Cassidy Rhody; and a sister, Barbara (Fred) Sperry. He is also survived by his first wife, Jeanette, with whom he maintained a close friendship in the years before his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Marguerite; brothers, Robert and Charles Rhody; and sisters, Geraldine (the late Paul) Schober and Marguerite (the late Don) Hagen.

A Memorial Service celebrating Pat’s life will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111.  Visitation will be from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. prior to the service.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patrick William Rhody, please visit our floral store.