John Ferdinand "Jack" Rhode

Obituary of John "Jack" Ferdinand Rhode

John "Jack" Ferdinand Rhode, PhD

April 14, 1931 – September 4, 2025

John "Jack" Ferdinand Rhode, PhD, passed away peacefully at The Wealshire in Medina, Minnesota, on September 4, 2025. He was 94 years old.

Born in Mauston, Wisconsin, on April 14, 1931, Jack was the only child of Elmer L. and Inez B. Rhode. After graduating high school, he moved to Madison to pursue higher education. Accepted into the innovative ISL program at the University of Wisconsin, Jack formed lifelong friendships and guided by his mentor David Belcher, continued his academic journey at the University of Minnesota, where he earned his MBA and two PhDs.

Jack's professional life was marked by curiosity, drive, and entrepreneurial spirit. He held positions at General Electric, Rosemont Engineering Company, and Data Products in St. Paul before founding his own educational consulting firm, Applied Management Science. He ran the firm successfully in Minneapolis and later in Wayzata until his retirement in 1998.

Retirement, however, was never a full stop for Jack. After downsizing to Eden Prairie, he soon found himself restless and launched a second business -- American Family Home Loans -- which he operated as a mortgage broker until 2012.

Jack had a deep love for Lake Minnetonka and was a devoted member of The Lafayette Club, where he refined his golf game and cultivated lasting friendships. He also played a key role in strengthening the Homeowners Association Board in his Eden Prairie community, where he lived for over two decades.

Jack was a man of many talents-brilliant in business yet grounded in the simple joys of life. His zest for adventure led him to learn to fly in his 30s and to ski mountain slopes with his son at age 80. His infectious smile and warm, generous spirit lit up every room he entered, and even in his final days, that light never dimmed.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Paula; his son, John F. Rhode II; daughter-in-law, Bonnie (Burandt) Rhode of Minnetrista, MN; and two cherished grandchildren, Jake Thomas Rhode and Brooke Allison Rhode, who will forever remember their Grandpa Jack with love and admiration.

At Jack's request, a short vigil, a Celebration of Life and a brief Catholic service will be held on the morning of September 24, 2025, beginning at 10 AM, in the chapel of Pax Christi Catholic Church in Eden Prairie, MN. A private interment of Jack's ashes near his hometown of Mauston, Wisconsin, will mark his final resting place.

In lieu of flowers, you are invited to send donations to Cassia (7171 Ohms Lane, Edina, MN 55439 or call 952-855-5180) the non-profit organization that manages the adult daycare center where staff brightened Jack's days until the final year of his life. For more about their services go to: Cassia.Open Circle.Hopkins MN