Rhoda Bente Wetzel Schirmer

Of Joliet passed away at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center, Sunday, November 10, 2024 at the age of 96 years.

Rhoda is lovingly remembered by her seven children Sharon (Jim) Weakman of Aurora, Robin (John Bouman) Schirmer of Maywood, Melanie (Rashad Kaldany) Knutsen of Washington, D.C., John (Maria) Schirmer of Taichung, Taiwan, Jim Schirmer of El Segundo, CA., Amy (Ian Rossbridge) Schirmer of Alachua, FL. and Carol (John) Rich of Wausau, WI. Rhoda is also survived by 14 cherished grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and her sister-in-law Connie Wetzel of Westwood, KS.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert L. Schirmer in 2020 and her brother David Wetzel in 2022.

Born on August 2, 1928, in Coal Valley, Illinois, to Herman F.C. Wetzel and Lois Wetzel (née Bente), Rhoda was a graduate of Valparaiso University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. A devout member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Rhoda found joy in her faith and was an active member of the church community. Rhoda's adventurous spirit took her around the world, traveling to all continents except the Poles. She was an enthusiastic member of the Joliet Ski Club and skied well into her 80s. An avid swimmer, Rhoda enjoyed teaching children how to swim, sharing her love of the water. In her professional life, she dedicated many years as a tax preparer for H&R Block, later offering her expertise from her home.

Lying in state at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 310 N. Broadway, Saturday, November 16th from 9:00 A.M. until time of services at 10:00 A.M. Rev. David Totsky officiating. Interment will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date.