Rhoda Volmer passed away Monday, June 8, 2026 at the age of 79, surrounded by her family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and countless cherished memories.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Russell, and her mother Tillie Amdahl.
She is survived by her children Sally (Alan) Tenboer, Daniel (Frankie) Volmer, and Douglas (Lynn) Volmer; her grandchildren Heather Brosseau, Daniel Volmer, Jr., Jessica Ruiz, Brandy (Scott) Endries, Ashley (Garcia) Sullivan, Kyle (Emma) Tenboer, Michelle Volmer, Douglas Volmer, Jr., Ty Volmer, and Kayleigh Tenboer; her great grandchildren AJ, Vesper Ruiz, Ezequiel Ruiz, and McKenna Volmer; and her by half-sisters, Laura Jett and Janis Alderman. Further survived by cherished life-long friends, John and Pam Steinhauser, dear friend of the family, Scott Patrick, and other friends and family members.
Rhoda’s story began on her grandparents’ farm in North Dakota, where she was raised with the values of hard work, resilience, and caring for others. The lessons she learned there stayed with her throughout her life and helped shape the warm and compassionate woman so many came to know and love.
As a young woman, Rhoda traveled to Milwaukee to visit her aunt and uncle. What started as a simple vacation became the beginning of a beautiful love story. While in Milwaukee, she met the love of her life, Russell Volmer. Their chance meeting changed the course of her life forever. Together, Rhoda and Russell built a life filled with love, partnership, laughter, and unwavering commitment to one another. Together they raised three children, Sally, Daniel, and Doug, who became the pride and joy of their lives.
Throughout her working years, Rhoda dedicated herself to helping others. She spent many years working as a personal assistant and shopper for elderly clients. More than simply providing a service, she offered companionship, friendship, and genuine care. Her kindness and dependability touched the lives of many people who came to think of her as family.
Rhoda and Russell shared a special passion for automobiles. They loved working on cars together and took pride in their projects and restorations. Their shared enthusiasm led them to become active members of Cars Unlimited, where Rhoda served as Vice President. Through the club, they built lasting friendships and enjoyed many memorable adventures.
Her love of automobiles extended to time spent with her family. Rhoda enjoyed watching television programs about cars with her sons and grandsons, sharing in their excitement over classic cars, restorations, and automotive history. These moments together were among the many ways she strengthened the bonds she treasured with her family.
Family was the center of Rhoda’s world. Nothing brought her more happiness than having her loved ones together. She especially loved holidays, seeing each one as an opportunity to gather family around the table, share stories, laughter, and meals, and create lasting memories. Whether it was Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, or a simple family celebration, Rhoda delighted in bringing people together and making everyone feel welcome.
She cherished her time with her grandchildren and loved playing board games and cards with them. Around the game table, she shared laughter, friendly competition, and countless happy moments. Those gatherings created memories that her grandchildren will carry with them throughout their lives.
Rhoda also had a special fondness for penguins. She loved both real penguins and the many stuffed penguins she collected over the years. What she loved most about them was that penguins are known for mating for life, a quality that reflected the enduring love she shared with Russell. Her collection brought her joy and remains a sweet reminder of her faithful heart and playful spirit.
Rhoda will be remembered for her warm smile, generous nature, and her remarkable ability to make others feel cared for and included. She believed that life’s greatest blessings were found in family, friendship, and time spent together. Whether helping someone in need, celebrating a holiday, attending a car club event, enjoying a game with her grandchildren, or simply sharing the company of those she loved, Rhoda lived her life with grace, compassion, and joy.
Though her family and friends will miss her deeply, they take comfort in the many memories she leaves behind and in the example of a life well lived. Her love will continue to guide those who knew her, and her memory will remain forever in their hearts.
Rhoda’s life was a testament to the unexpected blessings that can come from a single journey. A trip from North Dakota to Milwaukee led her to the love of her life, a devoted family, lifelong friendships, and a life filled with purpose and happiness.
In keeping with Rhoda’s warm and welcoming spirit, her family invites those attending her visitation to wear her favorite color, blue, in her honor. Rhoda always valued comfort, family, and togetherness over formality, so she would have wanted everyone to come as they are-casual, comfortable, and ready to share memories, laughter, and stories of a life well lived.
She will be remembered always, loved forever, and missed beyond measure.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM – 1:45 PM. Funeral Service at 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Krause Funeral Home, 7001 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Rhoda Volmer passed away Monday, June 8, 2026 at the age of 79, surrounded by her family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and countless cherished memories. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Russell, and her mother Tillie Amdahl. She is survived by her children Sally (Alan) Tenboer,Continue Reading