Audrey Ann Rhode

The morning of September 6, 2025 saw the closing of the final chapter of a remarkable girl from Coleman, Wisconsin. Audrey Ann Rivet (Chadwick, Rhode), 96, was born on July 19, 1929, the firstborn of Ed and Delima (Woulf) Rivet, descendants of French Canadians who made their way to this frontier several generations prior. They worked a small plot of land on the Little Peshtigo River just west of town. Along with her siblings, Audrey learned the hard work and determination necessary to survive on a small farm at the edge of the Great Northwoods during the Depression of the 1930's. She excelled in school, graduating valedictorian from Coleman High School in 1947.

Over the following three decades Audrey brought her dedication and work ethic to motherhood. In 1953, she married Ernest (Ernie) Chadwick, and raised their six children a few miles west on Kelly Lake. After Ernie's death, she married Ransom (Buck) Rhode, and became mother to his four children.

With her children grown, she and Buck returned to Coleman, living a mile upstream from her birthplace on the Little Peshtigo River. Here they would fill their house with laughter and joy, welcoming her returning children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and countless friends. Many called her Grandma Rhode. Friends knew her from the Round Roof Club at Kelly Lake and Coleman Insurance Agency in Coleman where she worked until retirement.

After Buck's passing in 2018, she spent her remaining years in Oconto Falls and Spruce with her two dearest lifelong friends-her sister Marie and her daughter, Gail. 

She is survived by her children, Scott (Carol) Chadwick, Steve (Joanne) Chadwick, Mark (Gigi) Chadwick, Glenn (Ann) Chadwick, Gail (Paul) Yatso, John (Vicki) Chadwick, Steve (Kym) Rhode, Lynn Rhode, and Mark Rhode; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister, Marie Janik; brother, Don (Judy) Rivet; and many other extended family and friends.

Audrey is preceded by her parents; husbands, Ernie and Buck; son, Paul Rhode; grandchild, Mike Rhode; brother, Allen Rivet; and sister, Germaine Mix.

In 2022 Audrey surrendered her will to Jesus and committed to following Him each and every day. The girl from the Little Peshtigo River who touched so many people's lives will be missed.

A visitation with the urn present will be held after 1:00 pm on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm with Pastor Bill Tisch officiating. Burial at St. John's Cemetery in Coleman.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Christian Servants' loving caregiver, Erika Bauer, and The Cottages at Meadowlands Memory Care and Moments Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and exceptional care.