Todd McQuinn Rhoades

Todd McQuinn Rhoades, age 40, died unexpectedly from a cardiac arrest in his home in Eagan, Minn. on July 6, 2011.

Todd was born on Aug. 16, 1970 to Bruce C. and Katherine A. (Williams) Rhoades in Yokosuka, Japan. A 1988 graduate of Wausau East High School, Todd served as an influential leader and a passionate participant on Wausau East's swim team. He earned a bachelor's degree in applied sociology in 1993 from the University of St. Thomas, where he continued his swimming career as a valued and successful member of the university's swim team.

The third of three children, Todd brought abundant joy to his family from the moment of his birth until his untimely death. From an early age Todd shared his gifted vitality and amazing sense of humor with everyone he met. He also established himself as a stalwart champion of underdogs, often befriending those who needed friendship the most. Nicknamed "The King" in high school, he had a regal way of being in the center of any action. An expert in sports' trivia and avid participant in Fantasy Football, Todd fervently cheered for the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Todd's commitment to social justice inspired him to work in human services. At the time of his death he was a counselor at Bill Kelly House, a dual-diagnosis facility in Minneapolis. He also worked seasonally at Huber in Minneapolis and was the owner of Diamond Windows.

Perhaps most of all Todd will be remembered as an unforgettable character who generated laughter and joy among his family members and friends who will miss him unceasingly. Though his life was brief, Todd left a legacy that will endure.

He was preceded in death by:  his grandparents,  Theresa Eleanor and Wilbur Lyle Williams, Lincoln, Neb. and Helen Marie and Orval Cecil Rhoades, Winona Minn.

He is survived by: his loving companion, Deborah Koehnen-Varner, Eagan, Minn.; parents Bruce and Katherine Rhoades, Chippewa Falls; sister, Erin Hall-Rhoades (Alexandra Hall), and nephew Gavin McQuinn Hall, Ithaca, N.Y.; brother and best friend, Matthew (Kimberly) Rhoades;  and nephews, Anthony Ethan Kane and Lyle McQuinn Rhoades, Appleton, Wis.; and, aunt, Sarah (Williams) Jacobson, Bellingham, Wash.

A Celebration of Todd's Life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, August 6, 2011, at the Riverview Shelter, Lake Wissota State Park, Chippewa Falls.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials for a swimming scholarship that will be established in Todd's name at Wausau East High School, Wausau.

To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.lenmarkfh.com

Todd McQuinn Rhoades