PEORIA - Dean Bernard Rhoads, age 64, of Peoria passed away at 5:53 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born Sept. 4, 1949, in Bartonville to Delmar and Leonora Seither Rhoads.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Linda (Anderson) Rhoads of Peoria; two daughters, Aneta (Sean) Brocato of Arlington, Va., and Emily Rhoads of Chesterfield, Mo.; one son, Andrew Rhoads of Philadelphia, Pa.; and one brother, Randall (Marianne) Rhoads of Andover, Mass.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Dean received a degree in mathematics and computer science in 1970 from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.
From 1970 to 1973, he was a computer systems analyst for Caterpillar Tractor Company. In 1976, he graduated with honors, Order of the Coif, from the University of Illinois College of Law. Dean was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1976 to practice before the Illinois Supreme Court, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois and the United States Tax Court. He clerked for Justice Jay J. Alloy of the Illinois Appellate Court, Third District. Dean joined Sutkowski & Rhoads Ltd., formerly known as Sutkowski & Washkuhn Ltd., in 1978, and was a shareholder in the firm. He was a member of the American, Illinois State and Peoria County bar associations. He was an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois College of Law for pension and profit sharing plans.
He took great pride in his work, but his focus was always his family.
Visitation will be held today, Nov. 3, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Additional visitation will be Monday at 9 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Peoria. Funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Joe Meyer will officiate. Interment will be immediately following in Lutheran Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Peoria.
To view Dean's memorial website, please go to www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Janet Ogle
July 17, 2014
Linda and family, I just found out about Deans passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Many many years ago Dean used to cookout for Linda and I. I haven't seen you since I moved to Cincinnati back in 1987 but think of you often.
Kept up thru the Christmas cards every year.
Rick Price
December 26, 2013
So sorry for your loss people. Hadn't seen Dean since 1987 but I remember our intellectual battles fondly. He was three floors above my office at Cassidy, Cassidy, Meuller and Price when he clerked for judge Alloy and saw him almost daily until he went to Sutkowski's office. Clearly Dean was the smartness member of the Peoria Bar. RIP buddy!!!
Rene Kuntz
November 12, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. Dean was a kind and good man. Our prayers are with you and the children.
Don Schuster
November 5, 2013
Dean was a friend of mine and the younger brother of one of my best friends. I have known him since 1954. And when you've known someone that long, you learn quite a few things about him. What I learned was that he was honest, forthright, loyal, logical, brilliant, reliable, compassionate, devoted to his family, and always willing to help someone in need. He helped me and I will miss him.
Sean Anderson
November 5, 2013
I worked with Dean for six years (2000-2006), and his intellect and humor were great to be around. My condolences.
Stacey Thuline (DeFrance)
November 4, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Stacey & Keith
Marie Harrison
November 4, 2013
Linda and family, so sorry to hear about your loss. Wiss I could have been there for services. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Miss seeing you Linda!
Jennifer Kerker
November 4, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the Rhoads family. Dean was my first boss as a legal secretary back in 1988 for a few years. I saw him often in the bank building and he was always so pleasant to me. Very fine, intelligent man who was taken way too soon.
Janet Surratt
November 4, 2013
Linda, Aneta, Andrew & Emily - My husband and I are so very sorry for your loss. I was Dean's assistant/paralegal for 18 years at S&W. He was a great attorney, teacher, father and husband. Always willing and eager to take on a challenge! We will miss him. May you find strength in your family and friends.
Benavidez Family
November 3, 2013
Linda and children, please accept our deepest sympathy for the passing of a wonderful husband and father...Dean will be missed dearly. May our Lord keep you and comfort you at this time.
Ken and Mary Rhoads
November 3, 2013
Linda, Ken and I are so sorry to hear of Dean's passing and want you to know you are in our hearts and prayers. We are so sorry that we will be unable to attend Dean's fureral as we are in Arizona and it isn't going to work out for us to be there. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for peace in your heart.
Margie Wheeler
November 3, 2013
Dear Linda,
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Gene and Justteen Wolstenholm
November 3, 2013
R.I.P. Dean! Prayers to the family, and I think Heaven is the lucky one right now!
Jerry McDowell
November 3, 2013
I talked to you before heading down to Lake of the Ozarks, and you told me of your recent fishing trip with Randy and Dennis. You said you weren't much of a fisherman, but I can see you-out fished the captain of the boat :-). Your grade school, high school, college roommate, and newspaper hack buddy, Jerry

Cousins--Dean was the one in the cap, and I was the one with my sister's hand around my neck.
Nancy Somers
November 3, 2013
My sincerest sympathy goes out to Dean's family. He was quite an impressive guy. Let your wonderful memories comfort you in this difficult time.
Holly Kallister
November 3, 2013
Dean was a great person and will be missed greatly. God bless his family...my deepest sympathies
Carolynsue Wolf
November 3, 2013
Just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you and provide strength at this sad time in your life.
Laya Gist
November 3, 2013
Dear Rhoads Family- I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband and dad. Praying that God will give you comfort and the strength you need to get through the days, weeks,and months ahead. What sweet memories you have displayed of Dean's life and your precious family in the picture gallery. God Bless You, Laya Gist (Emma's mom)
November 3, 2013
Dear Randy, So sorry to hear of Deans passing. May the many memories be of comfort to you and the whole family. Sending my Prayers. Gloria (Kneer) Leadley
Maryann Baroody
November 2, 2013
Praying you'll feel the presence of the Lord and that you'll draw strength and hope as you trust and experience HIS comfort.
With thoughts and prayers
Susie Brown
November 2, 2013
We are so sad for your loss. It's been hard to think about anything else since we found out. Please let us know how we can help. He was a great guy. The pictures in your photo gallery tell his story. Thank you for sharing them. Love, Rob & Susie Brown
Lynn & Bryant DeFrance
November 2, 2013
Our love and prayers for the Rhoads family.
Lynn & Bryant
Jessica (Hamilton) Ford
November 2, 2013
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong through this difficult time.
November 2, 2013
I love you, Dean! Linda
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Funeral services provided by:
Davison-Fulton/Bartonville Chapel1203 West Garfield Ave, Bartonville, IL 61607-1748

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more