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Permanent LinkSenator John C. Rhodes View All Years
JOHN C. RHODES
John C. Rhodes was born on November 21, 1928, in Sanborn, North Dakota, to Alfred and Eva Rhodes. He passed away on November 18, 2004, at the age of seventy-five. He is survived by his wife Audrey of Chariton, Iowa; son Bruce and wife Cheri of Dubuque, Iowa; two daughters, Lori Kautsky and husband Greg of Perry, Iowa, and Marty Magalsky and husband Kevin of Juneau, Wisconsin; and nine grandchildren.
Rhodes graduated from Sanborn High School in 1946. After graduation he enlisted in the Army where he served for three years following World War II. Rhodes married Audrey Swedeen in 1952. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
From 1953 until 1955, Rhodes was the editor of the Garrison, North Dakota, newspaper. In 1955, he became editor of the Chariton Newspapers in Chariton, Iowa, and served in that position until 1967. At that time, he became the director of information for the Hy-Vee Food Stores, Inc., until his retirement in 1990.
Rhodes was elected to the Chariton City Council in 1962 and served as mayor until 1970, when he was elected to the Iowa Senate. He served in the Senate for two years. Following his Senate term, he was re-elected to the Chariton City Council and again served as mayor until 1980.
Rhodes was an active member of his community, serving on many boards and committees. He was a past president of the Chariton Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Development Board. He served on the governing boards of Indian Hills Community College, the Iowa League of Municipalities, and the Iowa Good Roads Association. He was a member of the Chariton Planning and Zoning Commission and the McKay Scholarship Committee and was active in the Republican Party for many years. He was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church.
Rhodes was a Lucas County Republican. He served two years in the Senate, 1971-1972, during the 64th General Assembly.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE EIGHTY-FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF IOWA: That in the passing of the Honorable John C. Rhodes, the State has lost an honored citizen and faithful and useful public servant, and that the Senate by this resolution expresses its appreciation of his service to the State and tenders its sympathy and kindest regards to the members of his family.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That a copy of this resolution be spread upon the Journal of the Senate and that the Secretary of the Senate be instructed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.
PAUL MCKINLEY
DOUG SHULL
KEITH A. KREIMAN
Committee