Duane “Dusty” L. Rhoades, 84, of Morrison, IL, died Thursday, March 5, 2026, peacefully at his home.
Duane was born April 21, 1941, in Batesville, IN, the son of Lowell E. and Mabel (Reynolds) Rhoades. He was educated in the Piqua, OH, grade schools and graduated from Piqua Central High School in Piqua, where he loved and excelled at various sports. He set a school indoor and outdoor high jump record of six feet. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Denison University in Granville, OH. On April 22, 1973, Duane married Patricia Helen Burzinski in Chicago, IL. Duane worked in sales and marketing for several large paper companies throughout his career. He later served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Sappi Papers, retiring on April 1, 2000. In his younger years, Duane developed a deep passion for bird dog hunting and training. He trained many bird dogs and proudly competed with his German Shorthaired Pointer, Novus Rex Vom Enstrand, earning an Amateur Championship title. Through his love of bird dogs, Duane also developed a lifelong love and interest in horses, often using them to follow the dogs in the field. In retirement, he enjoyed horseback trail riding and sharing his knowledge by giving “Gaited Horse Clinics” to individuals and students interested in gaited horsemanship.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia; son, Tracy Rhoades of Fairbanks, AK; daughter, Michelle Chamberlain of Los Angeles, CA; one grandson, Parker Rhoades; one great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Cole Rhoades; brother, Larry A. Rhoades.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
A private Memorial Service is to be held.