James Michael “Mike” Rhodes, age 60, of Miles City passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2017 after a five-year battle with cancer. He fought hard and never gave up.
Mike was born on October 17, 1956 in North Platte, Nebraska, the son of William and Sylvia Sue (Fisher) Rhodes. He lived with his family in North Platte until 1960 when his father was transferred to Valentine, Nebraska. Mike grew up in Valentine and attended schools there, graduating from high school in 1975. He attended college in Lincoln, Nebraska where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree. After graduating from college, he moved to Alaska where he worked for three months at a hatchery before moving to Corpus Christi, Texas where he worked for a year and a half. While there he raised salt water fish primarily called Red Drum. He was not fond of Texas and worked a second job at a Circle K store to make extra money so if an opportunity to move came, he had the money to get out. That opportunity came in 1983 when a job opening at the Fish Hatchery in Miles City came open. He said moving to Miles City was the best decision he ever made. He became the manager of the fish hatchery in 1991. He loved his work and enjoyed teaching and educating the kids they would hire for extra help in the summers. Mike traveled all over the United States picking up and delivering fish. Some of the places he went to pick up fish include Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado and Utah to name a few. In Miles City at the hatchery he primarily raised small and large mouth bass, walleye, sauger and at one time sturgeon. He stocked these fish in lakes, rivers and ponds all over the state of Montana with fish from the most southeastern part to the most northwestern part of Montana. During his winters, he worked part time for Blue Rock Distributing and enjoyed his time with his co-workers there.
Mike was a man of many talents. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. He was an exceptional welder and fabricator. He grew a large garden with a variety of vegetables that he shared with many over the years. He loved them, but they seem to get the better of him on numerous occasions. Mike enjoyed the great outdoors and loved his annual elk hunting trips to the Gravelly’s with “the boys.” He had a love/hate relationship with horses and usually ended with an injury on those hunting trips but couldn’t wait to go the next year as those were some of his fondest memories. Mike was lucky enough to draw a moose tag in 1996, the very first year he ever applied. He enjoyed coffee with the boys where they would solve the troubles of the world. Mike loved his family and never missed an event his children were in. His grandchildren were the light of his life and he treasured the time spent watching them grow. He was a good man, friend, husband, and patient and kind dad. He will be missed greatly by his family, friends and colleagues.
Mike is survived by his wife Kellye, daughter, Morgan (Rory) Haughian of Miles City, MT; son Tyler Rhodes of Wyola, MT; son Nate Dunning of Miles City, MT; and daughter Tara Dunning of Billings, MT; his mother Sue Rhodes and brother John Randall (Berniece) Rhodes all of Valentine, NE; his three special grandchildren: Kale Aiden Dunning, Reese Lee Venn and Rheagan James Haughian; his mother-in-law Vada Metzenberg of Glendive, MT; sisters & brothers-in-law: Hassell & Bobbi Painter of Alamogordo, NM; Mike & Diane Metzenberg of Miles City, MT and Denny & Jackie Palmer of Sidney, MT; all his nieces, nephews, cousins, and great nieces and nephews that he held dear to his heart and many dear friends. Mike was preceded in death by his Grandma Marie Fischer who lived with his family and taught him many things like how to fish. He was also preceded in death by his father Bill.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Parlor, 1806 Main Street followed by a barbeque in Mike’s honor. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Wake Up & Lace Up, 107 Balsam Dr., Miles City, MT 59301; Meadowlark House c/o St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation, 1106 N. 30th Street, Billings, MT 59101 or to St. Vincent de Paul, 407 Main Street, Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday May 27, 2017
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Saturday May 27, 2017
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Martha Crandall says
I am so sorry. He put up a hell of a fight. My sympathy.
Bret and Tanna Aye says
Kelly and all of Mike’s family; we extend our sympathy on the passing of such a gracious man. Always a smile
and a hi when we would run into each other. He fought a good fight. May you hold his memory in your heart.
Godspeed Mike.
Sally Selle says
Kelley, Morgan and families…so sorry about Mike’s passing, sending hugs and knowing he’s finally at peace make your days ahead easier! Thinking of all of you!
Liz says
Kellye and Family, we are so sorry to hear about Mike. He always had a smile and a hello for us. We will miss him in the neighborhood. Hugs and prayers.
Levi, Liz & the girls
Amy (Moore) LaBree says
Kellye and family. So sorry to learn about this today. Thinking of you and your family.
Sherry Oster says
To Mike’s family;
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. What a great guy that had such an enthusiasm for teaching others. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Denise Harvey says
Your strength and courage are an example to all and we thank you for sharing a wonderful man. Prayers for comfort and cherished memories.
Jerry & Peggy Stanley says
Deepest Sympathy, Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Hodgson says
Kelleye and family, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you……
Matt and Linda
Lynne Weischedel says
Kellye and family so sorry to hear about your loss. Mike was a wonderful person.
Conleys says
Kellye and family – we are sad to hear of Mike’s passing and hold you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kelly, Cindy and Kelcy Conley
Amanda & Hayden Kalfell says
Thinking of you all during this difficult time! May the memories you hold bring you comfort in the days ahead. Sending many prayers!
~Amanda & Hayden Kalfell
Wanda Gresens says
Thinking of all of you at this sad time . Mike was a great guy . The above picture was mike just having fun with his kids at the cattle drive parade I believe in 1995 .
RANDY MEADE says
Mike. My heart is very sad as I learned of your passing. You were the very best person to work for. From our projects we became close friends. I will always remember your love for quality workmanship and for your respect for others. Thankyou Mike, I will always think of you.
bev harbaugh says
to all Mike’s family. We are so sorry for the loss of such a great friend. We always enjoyed seeing him and hearing of his latest horse escapade on his hunting trips with “the boys.” May God be with each of you. Wonderful memories will help to ease your sorrow.
All our love, hugs and prayers.
Wade and Bev Harbaugh
Jana Mueller says
Kellye, Tara and all of Mike’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God’s love and the strength of family and friends carry you through your grief. My sympathy and prayers for you all. ~Jana Mueller
Steve Satra says
Kellye, and “Gang”, as Mike would say; How is the gang ? Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Everyone knows he is now looking down and looking over you, leading the way and never forget the wonderful times-the fond memories you had in this short time of life together. Never to be forgotten and always in your heart he will life on forever!
Steve and Janice Satra
Carol & Blackie Schneider says
Kellye and family We are sorry that Mike has lost his fight. He never gave up and had high hopes that he could beat this. We will miss him. He was such a great friend and we thought very highly of him. Let us know if you need anything at all. God Speed Mike, no more pain and suffering. We will see you again friend.
Elaine Lambert says
I wanted to express my heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family. There’s such a sense of helplessness when someone we love dies. I’d like to share some scriptural thoughts that really helps me. Prayer is so valuable at this time but it’s not that prayer simply makes us feel better.
2 Cor.4:7 says that God can give us, “… power beyond what is normal “, to go from one day to the next. This does not mean that we no longer cry or that we forget, but it means we recover. The reason we recover is because of our hope. Jesus Christ talked about our hope in John 5:28, “… all those in the memorial tomb will hear his voice and come out “. Jesus was referring to the resurrection, this is our hope that helps us recover and gives us power to go on. 2 Cor.1:3 describes our Creator as, “…the God of all comfort “. One way that God comforts us is by moving people who care about us to give us words of encouragement that we need to hear. May the God of comfort (Ps.83:18) be your comfort now during this time of sorrow. 88
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Kellye, Morgan, Tyler and families,
We were so sorry to hear about Mike. Celebrate the memories of your dad and husband, as he loved you all so very much, and know that we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all now and in the days ahead. RIP Mike.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Tom and Cindy Erickson - Fuhrman and Erickson Familes says
Kellye and Family…we are sorry for the loss of Mike. He was one of the good ones and we will always remember his friendly spirit and great smile! Know that our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time and the days and months that follow. Take Care of you!
Kevin McDonnell says
As a fellow FWP employee, I had the opportunity to do some construction projects for Mike at the hatchery. I appreciated his no BS attitude. He took responsibility for his work and his top priority was doing things right. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jay Pravecek says
Kellye and Family… I have a lot of great memories working with Mike. He was a great hatchery manager and his fish hatchery family will miss him.
Bryan and Shannon says
So very sorry Kelley and kids. Always will remember him as a man with a smile and happy heart. Our prayers.
Kyl Kennedy says
Kellye, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ben Greil says
Mike was a great guy to work with.
He was always pleasant to be around, very humorous, and professional.
My prayers are with you and your family, and I hope you can rest in peace friend, you’ve definitely earned it.
Jodi McCray says
I was saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. As a grade school and high school classmate, I have many fond memories of Mike growing up. He was the king of dodgeball (you never wanted to be hit with one of his zingers!), a great high school baskeball player and track star. I shared a lot of rides around town in Mike’s bright yellow road runner with Bachman Turner Overdrive blaring from the speakers. It was great to see him and spend time reminiscing during our 40 year high school reunion a few years ago. He was a very good man who spoke lovingly about Kellye, his children and grandchildren. Rest In Peace, friend.
Jodi Scranton McCray
Mary Ann Wells says
Kellye and Family, thoughts and prayers for you and all the family. It was so great to see you and Mike at the coffee shop, and everyone could see how much love you had for each other! My sincerest condolences to all the family. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call! Keeping you in prayers.
Ranee Russell Critchfield says
I was saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Too young! I was a classmate from kindergarten through graduation. My maiden name was Russell so often we were set together (alphabetically). We were a close class and there are many memories! It was so great to see him at our 40th reunion. He was the same oil’ Mike and we were all happy to see him. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family. Peace to you my friend….
tim roth says
Kellye and family, very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing, had the pleasure of working with Mike some and what a great and humble man. My god bless and help you with your loss.
Sandy McFarland-Hays says
Kelley and Family, Sending my sympathy and prayers your way. Will miss visiting with Mike at the Post Office.
Ken and Penny Monier says
We are broken hearted. We will forever admire his courage and strength. Mike was one of life’s unexpected gifts. He enriched our lives. He will sorely be missed. Loving thoughts for his family.
Deb & Jeff Shaw says
Kelley and Family, Mike will be missed. He was a great guy and fought the battle, we will miss him greatly.
Bob Dean says
You will be missed my old friend.?
Chris J Buechle says
Mike my friend for so many years, prayers for your family to go on strong.
I have tons of great memories as we grew up together, eaten lunch box together every day of school from 2-6, sharing time together (with our big bro.s Randy and Keith often) and even ice skating on the fish hatchery ponds. Heck just this weekend when Kathy was looking for marshmellow cream I said why (since I am not a fan) and then I told her I remember you eating peanut butter and marshmellow cream sandwiches; and now I read we lost you. Miss you big guy 🙁 You were alway one to do “your thing” and never look back – a leader for life.
God Bless you all
Trevor and Donna Mae Huss says
Morgan and family,
We are very sorry for your loss and praying for your family during this difficult time. God bless.
Duane and Laurie Claypool says
Kellye & Family,
Our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Duane and Laurie Claypool
Pam Rogge says
Kellye & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and in the days ahead. God Bless
Kim Coleman Paxton says
My sympathies go out to Mike’s family. I was a classmate & very proud to call Mike my friend. So happy he came to our 40 year class reunion & we got share those “remember whens”! He seemed very happy, may that be a comfort to you in the difficult days ahead. May peace be in your hearts.
Kim Coleman, Class of ’75 Valentine Nebraska
Erin O'Connor says
Kellye & family,
Mike was a one-of-a-kind and will be greatly missed by so many people, including myself. The Hatchery won’t be the same without him. I’ve enjoyed him so much over the last 12 years at FWP. His no-nonsense, do what you gotta do demeanor was something I appreciated. I can still hear his booming “Hey!” anytime he’d come through the door at the office or when he’d answer the phone. I always called him “Old Stonewall” but knew he was a big softy at heart and was someone I could count on if I ever needed him.
I have thought of you many times in the days since Mike passed, and will continue to have you in my thoughts and prayers. Please know if you ever need anything, I am happy to help.
Jeff and Bonnie Boggs says
Kelley and family. I was so sorry and sad to hear that Mike had passed away. As a teacher, I always enjoyed his classes or the wisdom he shared with kids or with anyone who had questions. Many years ago, when I first met Mike we were milking pike at Fort Peck and delivering the eggs to Miles City. Because much of this was with volunteer help, I was able to bring my son. Mike made such an impact on him and what we were doing that even today he still remembers that experience. I hope Mike realizes how his life touched so many others and his kindness and knowledge were gifts that will not be forgotten. May God bless you all.
Michelle says
To the entire Rhodes family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I never met Mike, but he will never be forgotten. He will always be in my heart as I continue to do all I can to end cancer. It is obvious that he was an incredible person, and will be sincerely missed.
Alan and Marilyn Hutchinson. says
What a special. Guy. Was a delight to see him whenever we were in Miles. Ran into him many times for coffee when he was helping deliver an adult beverages in Ekalaka Gonna
miss you Mike. Our sympathy Kelley and family.
Carol Coleman Lewien says
I am also saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. I was also a classmate of Mike’s and our parents square danced together in the pavilion in the city park. So glad we got to see him at our 4oth class reunion and remember those days not so long ago. May you find comfort in those memories in the coming tough times and may Mike Rest In Peace. So sorry for your loss.
Casey & Cindy Phalen says
Thinking of you all. Mike I always enjoyed you company. God Bless ya
Shanna Sprandel Murnion says
Kelly and family, so sorry for your loss. Mike was such a great person! I really enjoyed working for him at the hatchery many years ago. Prayers for you all during this difficult time.
Rick Day says
God bless and best wishes
Rick D
North platte ne