Jerry Rhodes, Sr.

Jerry William Rhodes made his entrance into the world on May 15th, 1945, as the second son of Glen and Olga Rhodes. Jerry was the third of eventually four, one brother, and two sisters. Jerry was baptized, confirmed and raised in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Presho, SD.

His parents owned the Rhodes Mercantile Company, had a stable, and raised American saddle bred horses. Jerry’s childhood was filled with responsibilities doing chores at the stable, feeding and watering the horses, cleaning stalls, breaking horses and showing horses at the State Fair. In the summers, Jerry spent a lot of time on the family ranch, thus learning all aspects of the agriculture business from raising hogs, cattle, chickens and even milking cows.

The town of Presho was his playground & when Jerry was not busy, he spent a lot of time in the empty lot next to their house where they’d play basketball, football, and baseball. No fancy uniforms, no standardized markings, just lots of laughter and sounds of “play ball!”

Jerry’s dad, Glen Sr., was involved in local and state politics. This is where Jerry found a love of history and politics where on occasions would travel with his dad to Political meetings throughout the state and met several Governors, local lawmakers, US Senators and Representatives.

Jerry participated in every sport offered at Presho High School, which included football, basketball, track and also being a cheerleader for the girls’ basketball team. He sang in the choir, dutifully attended Luther League, learned to type and fell in love with his childhood sweetheart, Ruth Cronin. They were the homecoming King and Queen and later led the first dance at the prom. This football playing, shot-put tossing athlete could waltz. It was a beautiful sight to behold.

After graduating from Presho High School in 1964, Jerry went off to Black Hills State College, enrolled in football and track and in 1965, during the college days, Ruth and Jerry were married. Jerry graduated in the fall of 1968 with a degree in Physical Education, History, and Coaching. Jerry and Ruth had three boys; Jason, Wade and Justin.

In late June, Jerry received a call from Pine Ridge, and they started recruiting him to come and teach P.E. and Coach Football, Freshman basketball, Track, and later serving as the athletic director. After four great years on the reservation, where many friends were made, they decided to make the move. One of the highlights while in Pine Ridge, SD was having Billy Mills, the 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist in the 10,000 meter, come to practices on many occasions to train with the athletes.

In 1973, Jerry and Ruth moved to Kimball, SD to continue his teaching and coaching career; he coached football, basketball, and track. Jerry taught in Kimball for one year before his wife Ruth became very ill.

In the Spring of 1974, a job opening developed in Philip, SD for a P.E. and History teacher as well as Head Football Coach, so Ruth and Jerry moved to Philip. In June 1977, Ruth passed away due to a brain tumor at the age of 31.

Later Patricia Ankrum came into Jerry’s life and after a few months of persuading her, they were joined in marriage. This union produced two more Rhodes boys, Brady and Jerry Jr.

The Scotties and Philip became his home, and he spent the next 34 years coaching and teaching in the Philip School district before retiring in 2010. There was a short stint during that period when he stepped away from teaching and coaching where he became West River’s Conservancy Sub District Manager. Jerry oversaw eleven counties to assist in rural water and was very proud to say he was apart of helping shape West River’s rural water system.

During his long and esteemed career as a teacher and coach, Jerry taught Driver’s Ed., P.E., Geography, Am. History, Govt., World History and Psychology. He coached football, basketball, track, cross country and tumbling. He also served as the Athletic Director in Philip, all while maneuvering a yellow school bus, loaded with kids, down country roads and 2-lane highways.

In 1987 he was nominated for Cross Country Coach of the Year, and his team was State ‘A’ runner up. He received the title of Region IV Football Coach of the year in 2004 and in 2005 was named Class 9A Assistant Football Coach of the year. In 2009 the boys’ track team was runner up in class ‘B’ and in 2010, his boys were the State ‘B’ Track Champions. Along with that championship, Jerry was chosen as the State Boys Track Coach of the Year in 2010. After retiring, he remained active as a track meet official. One of the highlights of his coaching career to add was being apart of a small group of coaches to implement “In-Season Qualifying” standards for track and field.

In 2014, Jerry was inducted in the Lyman High School Athletic Hall of Fame and in 2022 inducted into the SD Coaches Hall of Fame. Jerry’s last honor was in May 2025 being inducted into the SD Track Coaches Hall of Fame.

Besides coaching and teaching, Jerry enjoyed playing cards, was an avid Black Hills State College supporter and loved watching his grandkids participate in their activities.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth, his father Glen Rhodes Sr., his mother Olga Christian Erikson Rhodes, his brother Glen Rhodes Jr. and sister Ann Kniffen.

He is survived by his five sons, Jason and his wife Tammy – their children - Alexandria, Nick, Nathan, Neal; Wade and his wife Shanesa – their children - Dawson, Daylen, Dezmond; Justin and his wife Kerry – their children - Eilissa, Seema, Kaden; Brady and his wife Jennifer – their daughter Madisyn; Jerry Jr. and his wife Lexie – their children Jaxon, Joey and Jakob; Patricia – mother of Brady and Jerry Jr. His great grandchildren; Troye, Zoe, Journey, Revlin and Cooper.

He also leaves behind nieces and nephews Janell Simpkins, Nancy Kniffen, Erik Rhodes and Monte Kniffen, along with one sister, Linda.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. with a Christian Funeral Vigil at 7 p.m. Sunday, August 31, 2025 at the High School Gym in Philip.

Christian Funeral Liturgy will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 1, 2025 at the High School Gym in Philip.

A Christian Funeral Committal will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 701 Philip, SD 57567.

Any memorial money will be used to establish a scholarship in Dad’s name.

Service Details

VISITATION
Sunday, August 31, 2025 - 5-7p.m.
with a Christian Funeral Vigil at 7 p.m.
High School Gym
Philip, South Dakota

CHRISTIAN FUNERAL LITURGY
Monday, September 1, 2025 - 10:00 a.m.
High School Gym
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Fr. Grant Gerlach with Fr. Zane Pekron,
Fr. Tim Hoag, and Deacon Lloyd Frein assisting

MUSIC
Marianne Frein - Pianist
Maureen Palecek, Carol Asheim,
Barb Bowen, and Josh Eggers - Vocalists
"On Eagles Wings"
"Be Not Afraid"

USHERS
Dan Mahoney - Dan Asheim
Casey Cvach - Dustin Peterson

READERS
Mike O'Dea - John Palecek

PALLBEARERS
Jason Rhodes - Wade Rhodes - Justin Rhodes
Brady Rhodes - Jerry Rhodes, Jr.
Curt Arthur - Grandkids

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Family, Colleagues, Close Friends,
and ALL former students and athletes

CHRISTIAN FUNERAL COMMITTAL
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Guest Book