George D. Rhoades, age 77, of Wheaton, IL and previously of La Grange, IL, passed away on September 9, 2012, surrounded by family.  He was born September 23, 1934 in Mishawaka, IN to J. Ernest and Louise Rhoades.


George grew up in Mishawaka, IN where he attended Mishawaka High School and graduated near the top of his class. He also excelled as a Boy Scout and received the Eagle Scout Award. He graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, and after college, he proudly served in the Armed Forces as a First Lieutenant in the Chemical Corps of the Army. After his military service, he earned his Master of Science degree in Business Administration from Western Michigan University.


George worked for Praxair, Inc. (formerly Liquid Carbonic) in Chicago, IL for 36 years, retiring as a Senior Principal Engineer. Over the course of his career, he was awarded 22 U.S. Patents dating from 1971 to 2000. In 1996, he was recognized for his contributions to the field of engineering and was presented with the Western Society of Engineers Landmark Award for "performance reflecting overall engineering excellence".


As a young adult, his skill at sailing earned him several trophies. He loved flying and earned his private pilot single-engine certification. He was a lifelong traveler and visited numerous countries around the world. Gardening was a true passion. Beautiful flowers surrounded his home and he canned homegrown tomatoes and raspberry jam. He was most proud of the delicious pies he made with cherries from his cherry tree. Of all the ways he enjoyed spending his time, nothing gave him more joy than being with his family.


He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Jean Rhoades of Wheaton; his daughter, Caroline (Jerry) Felix, his son David (Rebecca) Rhoades; his grandson Jude Felix; his sister Martha (Don) Eades, and brother Jim (Nancy) Rhoades. He was predeceased by his parents.


Visitations will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Thursday, September 13, 2012 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 12:00 pm. The visitations and funeral will be held at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187. Interment will be private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, in Elwood, IL.


In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Indiana United Methodist Children's Home, PO Box 747, Lebanon, IN 46052, (765) 482-5900.  Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.