Kenneth Hilton Rhoades, born May 22, 1931, passed away Monday, March 21, 2022. Visitation is Thursday, March 24, 2021, at the Congregational Church in Blair from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Services are at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 25, 2021, at the Methodist Church in Blair. Private interment at Rose Hill Cemetery. A full obituary will be published on Friday, March 25th. Campbell Amen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. #2-Published in the Omaha World-Herald March 24, 2022

Article by Kevin Cole

(photo)

Ken Rhoades

No task was too big or too small for fourth-generation newspaperman Ken Rhoades, publisher emeritus of the Washington County Enterprise in Blair.

“He was the classic old newspaper publisher with ink in his veins,” said son Mark Rhoades, the current publisher of the Enterprise. “He did every job there was, from reporting to sweeping up, and even ran the presses.”

Rhoades recalled his father rushing to take photos at fire calls or traffic accidents, even in the middle of the night. He once was injured while photographing a burning building when the doors blew open in an explosion, but he kept taking pictures.

The elder Rhoades died Monday at age 90 at Memorial Community Hospital in Blair. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church in Blair.

Ken Rhoades continued his family’s history of publishing newspapers. His great-grandfather, Hilton Rhoades, was a journalist with the Omaha Journal-Stockman before opening newspapers in the small Nebraska towns of Washington and Kennard. Rhoades’ grandfather, John Rhoades, later purchased a newspaper from Hilton Rhoades and moved it to Blair. His father, J. Hilton Rhoades, ran the newspaper until selling it to Ken in 1977.

Ken Rhoades, who was a member of the Nebraska Press Association Hall of Fame, served as president of the National Newspaper Association and of the Nebraska Press Association. In 2000, he was the recipient of the Master Editor-Publisher Award from the Nebraska Newspaper Association.

Ken Rhoades began working for his father at the Blair newspaper as a youngster. During a 1991 interview with The World-Herald, he talked about getting his start.

“As a kid, I started pouring lead for the Linotype machines,” he said. “I was ecstatic to get paid 10 cents an hour to run the folder.”

Mark Rhoades said readers loved his father’s column, “This and That,” in which he talked about everything from the latest happenings at City Hall to family events.

“He was never afraid to stir the pot with his editorials, where he called it like it saw it,” his son said. “He spoke his mind in an effort to improve his community. There were many cases where his news coverage and comments spearheaded change or projects that improved the community.”

Rhoades and his wife of nearly 72 years, Virginia, began dating in high school. They were both 19 when they wed in August 1950.

“His love for my mother was very special,” Mark Rhoades said. “They were just together all the time. He would do anything for her.”

Their travels included trips to Europe, China, Russia, Japan and Australia. They also were very involved in community organizations throughout Washington County.

“If there was an organization, Dad was involved. If they were selling something, he was probably the top seller,” his son said. “He was one of the most community-minded people you could ever meet.”

In addition to his wife and son, Rhoades is survived by a daughter, Penny Overmann of Omaha; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

#3-Published in the Enterprise March 25, 2022

Ken Rhoades never shied away from a story.

His 60-plus year career saw him cover anything and everything, even if it meant putting himself in harm's way, which he did on several occasions.

One of the long-time Blair newspaper publisher's favorite stories to tell was about the1953 fire at the Publishing House building that left him with singed hair and burnt legs. Former Enterprise managing editor Leeanna Ellis interviewed Rhoades about his career in 2019, where he singled out that story as one of the highlights he remembered the most.

“As he took photos, he noticed a door started to bulge before it finally blew open. Ken lost some eyebrow hair and was burned on his legs,” she said. “When I asked him if he went to the hospital, he said 'No.' He just kept taking photos.

“Wasn't he concerned for his safety? He just shrugged and smiled at me.”

'An old-school newspaper man'

Rhoades, who passed away March 21 at age 90, held almost every title possible at the Enterprise, including publisher emeritus following his retirement. His career saw him serve as the president of the Nebraska Press Association (NPA) Foundation and National Newspaper Association. He amassed a bevy of awards and honors, including an induction into the NPA Hall of Fame and a designation as a Nebraska Master Editor-Publisher in 2000.

In a tribute to Rhoades written for his funeral service, Allen Beermann, former Executive Director of the NPA, said Rhoades' career wasn't built on trying to receive accolades and acknowledgement, but rather it was one dedicated to integrity.

“As we reflect on his legacy, we quickly realize that he never did work for recognition; rather, he always did work worthy of recognition,” Beermann said. “Ken lived his life like a snowflake, which leaves a mark but never a stain. He was a premier community servant - always serving with highest distinction.”

Beermann said Rhoades exemplified the “G” forces of journalism - to be good, grateful, gracious, generous and glad. This allowed him to use his talents in a way that told the news with compassion, understanding and accuracy.

“Ken always kept these 'G' forces in mind as he learned and lived the lessons of history; he was never too proud to cry, too grim to laugh, too sophisticated to enjoy, too hard to repent, too legal to love, too narrow to notice, or too proud to pray,” Beermann said.

Rhoades garnered his reputation throughout his 60 year newspaper career. He started with the Enterprise when he was just 10 years old, melting lead for the Linotype machine. He worked as a reporter for the Enterprise when he was in High School and would fill in when needed in the press department while he was attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

Rhoades eventually purchased the company from his father, J. Hilton Rhoades, in 1978 and it remained a family-focused business with his wife, Virginia serving as the bookkeeper and the one who would collect the community news items.

Ken and Virginia sold Enterprise Publishing Company to his son, Mark Rhoades in 1997. Mark currently serves as publisher and his son, Chris, is the associate publisher.

Ken Rhoades remained involved with the paper as publisher emeritus and kept tabs on news in the area. Ellis said she appreciated Rhoades' guidance and willingness to swing by the office and chat. She said his example is one that remains at the paper.

“Ken was the epitome of an old-school newspaper man,” she said. “As a journalist, his experience and knowledge was something to admire. Ken could tell stories of the 'good-old days' and they were fascinating to listen to.

“He was proud of those who carried on his legacy -- and not just his family. It was an honor to have Ken tell me I had done a great job on a story or he liked how the newspaper looked. I always valued his opinion.”

'No prouder promoter of Blair'

Rhoades wasn't afraid to tackle tough subjects and take controversial opinions in his editorials. Blair Mayor Rich Hansen said his approach to journalism was admirable because of his unflappability.

“Kenny wasn't afraid to take on some tough stories once in a while, which is a dangerous thing when the guy sitting across from you is paying your wages as an advertiser,” Hansen said. “He was just an old school paper guy.”

But Hansen said the stories he wrote and the way he managed the paper were reflections of the pride he had for the community.

“He was always positive about Blair,” Hansen said. “There was no prouder promoter of Blair than Ken Rhoades. When he would travel, he would so proud to talk about Blair and he was proud to be from the Rhoades family.

“He was the real deal.”

Rhoades' love of Blair was evident in his service to the community. He served on more than 30 civic organizations, donated to various causes in the community and attended countless events.

“He was always promoting Blair and always had a dynamic interest in Blair. He probably received every community service award available here,” Hansen said.

Mick Jensen, second cousin to Rhoades and long-time business associate through his work with Great Plains Communication, said Rhoades' connection to the community was inspiring and showed through his tireless work to serve it in any way possible.

“You wonder first of all how he had the energy to do it and how he kept track of everything he needed to,” Jensen said. “He was able to be helpful to so many causes and so many committees.”

Seeing Rhoades' passion for community service and his desire to promote Blair whenever possible, Jensen added, showed that Blair had an advocate locally, statewide and nationally.

“It gave you a sense of satisfaction and helped you understand someone did care and took the time to be that interested and watch out for the different issues in the community and county,” he said.

'Partners in life'

Jensen said he and Rhoades remained close until Rhoades' passing Monday. He'd have dinner with Ken and Virginia each Wednesday and even later in his life, Rhoades was always good for a joke.

“He'd be in a wheel chair and a couple of times, people would come up and ask him how he was and he'd say, 'I dunno, they haven't told me yet today,'” Jensen said, with a laugh. “He kept a really good attitude and was so grateful for everything that you helped him with.”

Jensen said one source of Rhoades' demeanor and love of life was the connection he shared with Virginia. Where one would go, the other would often be, Jensen said.

“He and Virginia were complete partners in life,” he said, “and I think a quite a bit of his success is because of that. They say there's always a good woman behind that and she was supportive of him and I'm sure that helped him lot.

“As a couple, they were extremely fun to be with and were so caring of other people.”

Hansen, too, said he struggled to think of many instances where he saw Rhoades at a ball game or event without Virginia by his side.

“You have to emphasize, they were a pair together,” Hansen said. “You seldom saw one without the other, which was refreshing.”

Their impact on the community is apparent of virtually every corner in Blair. Jensen said it was Rhoades undying passion for the community and his demeanor towards life that makes his loss widely felt.

“It's tough to lose a person like that,” he said. “He's done so much, been so involved and touched so many people.

“I feel much richer for knowing him.”

#4-Published in the Enterprise March 25, 2022

(Photo)

Kenneth Hilton Rhoades, born May 22, 1931, passed away Monday, March 21, 2022. Visitation is Thursday, March 24, 2022, at the Congregational Church in Blair from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Services are at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022, at the Methodist Church in Blair. Private internment at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Kenneth was born May 22, 1931, in Blair, the son of J. Hilton and E. Lucille (Jensen) Rhoades. He was raised in Blair, where he attended Blair High School and later the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Ken began working with his father Hilton, after college in the family newspaper business where they worked together for many years. He learned the newspaper trade from the ground up doing basically every job including reporting, sales, running the press, and even making runs to the post office.

On August 24, 1950, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Virginia Jensen, in Blair. Virginia was the love of his life for 72 years, and the couple lived together in Blair their entire lives.

Ken and Virginia began working together in the newspaper business almost immediately after marriage. Virginia handled all the bookkeeping and Ken was the publisher.

He was a classic newspaper publisher with ink in his veins. With camera in hand, he rushed to every fire call or accident to take pictures, even in the middle of the night. On one occasion, he was taking pictures of a burning building, when the doors blew open after an explosion. He suffered burns, but continued to take photos for the paper.

People loved his column, ‘This and That’ where he talked about everything from the latest happenings in city hall, to something cute his kids did over the weekend. He was never afraid to stir the pot with his editorials, where he called it like it saw it. He spoke his mind in an effort to improve his community. There were many cases where his news coverage and comments spearheaded change or projects that improved the community.

Throughout his career Ken was very active in the Nebraska Press Association (NPA) as well as the National newspaper Association (NNA). He served on numerous committees for both associations and also as president of NPA in 1990 and NNA in 2001. The NNA awarded him with the James Amos Award, and he was also honored with the Nebraska Press Association Master Editor Publisher Award as well as being inducted to the Nebraska Press Association Hall of Fame. All were the highest honors a publisher can receive.

Through his association with NNA, Ken was also able personally meet several Presidents including Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

He was one of the most community minded people you’ll ever meet. Over the course of his life, he joined basically every community service organization in Washington County and was the epitome of what a service club member should be. He would attend every meeting, participate in every community service project and sell whatever the club was selling for their fundraiser. Among his favorite organizations were the Lions Club, Rotary Club and the Blair Optimists.

He was also honored many times for his service to his community. He received the Dana College Community Service Award, the Blair Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award, Blair High School Distinguished Service Award, the Blair Rotary Club Service Above Self and many others.

Ken was an avid pilot and enjoyed flying his Bonanza airplane to Okoboji almost every weekend during the summer. He and Virginia enjoyed spending time at Lake Okoboji, especially when their children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren were there. He would take them for boat rides, water skiing and swimming.

In his later years, Ken would delight in just watching his grand children and great-grandchildren play. He would sit with a smile on his face taking it all in.

Over the course of his lifetime, Ken and Virginia had the opportunity to do a lot of traveling including trips to Europe, China, Russia, Japan and Australia. They loved to drive through the mountains of Colorado near Estes Park, and often visited Branson, Missouri to enjoy the shows and scenery.

Ken is survived by wife Virginia, son Mark (Betty) Rhoades, daughter Penny (Mike) Overmann, grandchildren Mindy (Marty) Rump, Jessica (Rod) Madsen, Nathan (Melissa) Suverkubbe, Chris (Dalyn) Rhoades, Travis (Kristen) Rhoades, Collin (Jessica) Overmann, Brandon Overmann and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Charlotte (Rhoades) Gilinski, and oldest daughter Candace (Rhoades) Suverkubbe. Memorials may be directed to the Congregational Church of Blair, Blair Fire and Rescue Squad and the Rose Hill Cemetery.

#5 Printed in the April 5, 2022 Enterprise, by Chris Rhoades, associate publisher for the Pilot-Tribune and Enterprise

Funerals can be…cool?

More than likely, especially if you are a regular reader of our newspaper, you have heard that my grandfather, Ken Rhoades, passed away less than two weeks ago.

As plans for his visitation service and funeral were being made, my wife and I grappled with the decision of how to handle things with our just turned six-year-old, Maverick. Do we take him to both services? Do we have him view the body? Do we let him choose?

I’m not sure there’s ever a “right” or “wrong” answer to these questions, but we decided to talk to him about everything and came to the conclusion that he would attend both services. He’s a fairly “mature” kindergartner, with a much deeper understanding and belief of things spiritual and religious than I ever had at that age. So, we went forward.

The services were both great, and I think showed the honor and respect to my grandpa that he deserved. Not surprisingly, Maverick handled everything like a champ. Last week, while driving him home after school, I asked him the simple question of “What did you think of the funeral?” His response was an interesting perspective.

“Pretty cool,” he said. “Cool?” I responded. I think he quickly realized that “cool” maybe wasn’t the appropriate or normal answer to that question, so he pivoted his answer to “Umm, I mean, sad. It was sad.”

I agreed, and we continued to drive. But, a few minutes later, I was curious and asked why he originally said it was “cool.” His answer was an awesome perspective.

He explained that it was cool to hear stories about Grandpa Ken. He explained that it was cool hearing about grandpa’s boat that used to leak and how funny it was to hear his grandpa Mark tell the story about it. There was a slideshow of pictures played at his memorial service and before the funeral. Maverick thought it was so cool to see the different types of clothes Grandpa Ken (and others) wore throughout the years.

“I always thought Grandpa Ken wore nice clothes or brown coats…but, he used to wear swimsuits and t-shirts!,” Maverick said.

He then explained how it was cool to see so many people come to the churches to remember him.

Now, maybe the word “cool” isn’t actually the most appropriate way to describe those events. But, I understood exactly what he was getting at. For him, he’s only known my grandpa during the last few years of his life. For most, if not all of those years, grandpa was almost exclusively in a wheelchair.

So, yeah, I think it was pretty cool that my son got to see Grandpa Ken in the way that we remembered him. Funny, active, always watching his grandkids and great-grandkids playing at the lake or at sporting events.

Up until last weekend, my son didn’t get to know that part about grandpa. But, now, he does. And, yeah, that’s pretty cool.

#6 Funeral Leaflet

(many photos)

The Life and Times of Ken Rhoades

May 22, 1931 ~ March 21, 2022

Serving God, family, community

Order of Service: Processional: "Just A Closer Walk With Thee"--Martin Rump. Greeting. Prayer. Obituary Reading. Special Music: "Amazing Grace"-Mike and Penny Overmann. Tributes: Mark Rhoades and Penny Overmann. Scripture Reading: Psalm 23. Message. Congregational Song: Hymn #314 "In The Garden". Conclusion. Recessional. Officiant: Pastor Neal Closter.

Pallbearers: Nathan Suverkrubbe, Martin Rump, Rod Madsen, Chris Rhoades, Travis Rhoades, Collin Overmann, and Brandon Overmann

Ken, thanks for your commitment to all of us

Kenneth Hilton Rhoades, Publisher-Man dedicated to community service, public service, President of National Newspaper Association, a premier storyteller and active in the Blair, Nebraska community

Comments by Allen J. Beerman, Former Executive Director, Nebraska Press Association, Former Secretary of State

After reading the entire obituary of Kenneth Hilton Rhoades, you must first catch your breath.

The answers are known only to the one in whose house, Ken is now residing.

Permit me some observations.

Ken was a very noble person. Not noble as in royalty, but rather he was noble as it should be defined. He was earnest in his zeal, he was faithful in his work and pure in his fait., in his manners, he was mild and courteous: in his mind he was calm, clear and thoughtful, and in his heart he was true and benevolent.

Ken was a great and gracious person: not because of social stature or wealth; not because of wardrobe or jewelry; he was a great and gracious person because he was genuine, had a warm heart, a real smile, a helping hand and a sense of appreciation.

In time of need, he was everyone's guardian angel--he was always there--with feelings, friendship and finance. He was a very humble person. He was always social without being a socialite! For those outside the family, he was everyone's friend.

Ken always opened his heart, hands and home to all--he was very caring and very sharing. Ken always had a clear understanding that service to others was both a privilege and an obligation. He always served with poise as well as power. He had wisdom in his decisions, understanding in his thinking, love in his attitude and mercy in his judgements. Yes, he was always fair, but firm.

Our departed friend understood well the five "G" forces at work in his life, Good, Grateful, Gracious, Generous and Glad. Those all describe Ken Rhoades.

Our family member and friend leaves this earth, but he leaves behind a wonderful legacy, as well as a personal "touchmark". When the final book on Blair is written, Ken will be a chapter, not just a footnote!

As we reflect on his legacy, we quickly realize he never did work for recognition. Rather, he always did work worthy of recognition! He was a premier community servant--always serving with the highest distinction.

In leaving his legacy, his concern was always not so much where we have been, but where we are going; not so much what we have done, but what we have left undone; not so much what we have said, but what we have left unsaid.

Ken leaves a great legacy--Everything that he touched--Improved!

Ken was a mentor, a husband, a father, grandfather, a highly respected businessman, talented executive, public servant and community leader. Can anyone think of a nobler manner to have lived and enjoyed?

Ken may have left our presence--but will never leave our memories!

Rest in Peace!

#7 Printed in the April 12, 2022 Pilot-Tribune

-30-

BY MARK RHOADES

-30- has been traditionally used by journalists in North America to indicate the end of a story or article. That symbol seems fitting as a way to pay a final tribute to an old school, long time community editor and publisher. And my dad.

Anyone who’s lived in Blair from the 50s to the early 2000s probably read the Blair papers, and most likely read many of dad’s articles, columns and saw his photos. They probably saw him at a ball game, city council meeting, community activity, service club meeting, or having coffee somewhere every day to get the inside scoop on what was going on around town.

Dad’s story came to an end March 21, but his legacy continues to live on. Our family has been overwhelmed with all the cards, well wishes, flowers, and memorials. We appreciate everyone who has offered kind words, attended his visitation or his funeral. It’s been heartwarming to have so many people share memories of their times with dad. Of course there were lots of newspaper stories, but in some cases, I found out that maybe he was a little rowdier than a dad wants his son to know.

As his health began to fail starting about two years ago, it was difficult to watch the proud man struggle as he moved from a cane, to a walker and finally to a wheelchair. He’d had a bum knee since he was in a head on collision back in the 50s. Legend has it that even before the rescue squad arrived, dad grabbed his camera, got out of the car and hobbled around the accident scene taking pictures for the paper.

The last few weeks were tough on the family, as we were making almost routine trips to the emergency room, and then spending days and evenings at the hospital with him. We could all see he was failing, but naturally hoped and prayed that the good doctors and nurses would get him healed up and he could get back home for a few more months, or maybe even years.

My wife Betty and I were out of the country when we got word that things weren’t looking good for dad. We called our airline and attempted to re-book our flight to return home immediately. After waiting on hold for three hours, we were told that they wouldn’t be able to find us a seat for three days. At that point, I decided to book a flight to Chicago, thinking I’d rent a car and drive the last eight hours back home. One big problem with that: no rental cars were available in Chicago. Ultimately, son Travis found us a flight to Orlando, where we would grab a couple hours of sleep, then fly to Kansas City in the morning, where son Chris would drive to pick us up since there were no rental cars there either.

We had about 4 hours sleep during our 24 hours of travel, but made it back to be able to spend the afternoon and evening with dad. I left his side around 10:00 p.m., fully expecting to see him the next morning. However, we got the call about 5:00 the next morning that dad had passed. So glad that we got that last day with him.

We’re all going to miss dad. But we’re finding comfort in the reminders that he had a wonderful 90-plus years. He contributed so much to his community, to the newspaper industry and most importantly, created a family tree that will continue to grow for generations to come.

-30-

MARK RHOADES is publisher of Enterprise Media

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #237878429