Rhoda Ann Ehler, 76, of Hayfield, MN, passed away on October 9, 2024 in the comfort of her home surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer. She was born on July 3, 1948, adopted by Reuel and Maud “Peg” Olson of Canton MN. She graduated from Canton High School in 1966, which was the last graduating class. She started her nursing career at as a nurse aid at St Mary’s hospital and continued on to obtain her nursing degree.
In 1969, she married Roger Ehler who was her high school sweetheart. Together they built a family consisting of three children; Katheryn, Kevin and Kollin, where they lived in Dodge Center for approximately 30 years before moving to Hayfield. She worked in the nursing field for nearly 44 years working for St Mary’s Hospital, Mayo Clinic Kasson Family Practice, and Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center.
In addition to her professional career of caring for others, Rhoda was an avid bowler, enjoyed her pet cats, loved crocheting blankets for family and friends and enjoyed trips out west to Montana and Wyoming exploring nature. She was a devoted Catholic, active with her church, serving as an organist for 46 years and received the Bishop’s Medal Award for her dedicated service. In 2017, she was the recipient of the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Lifesaving Award for providing heroic measures in administering CPR to a person in need. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her friends and family including holiday celebrations, sporting events and any other activities that her children and grandchildren enjoyed.
Rhoda is survived by her husband of almost 55 years, Roger; children, Katheryn (Luke) Lejcher of Bayport, Kevin (Christina) Ehler of Cottage Grove, Kollin (Mary) Ehler of Brownsdale; her nine grandchildren, Connor (Chloe), Mitchell (Emma), Isabella, Adelyn, Isaac, Melissa, Cammi (Justice), Paige and Alex; her sister, Maryellen Schaefer of Eagan; and half-brothers, Kerry Kjome, Dana Kjome, Randy Kjome, and Rory Kjome. She was preceded in death by her parents and her half-brother Shaun Kjome.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Mayo Clinic staff at Gonda 10 Oncology Unit who assisted her during her 4-year battle with cancer, which included nearly 100 chemotherapy treatments and the tremendous team at Eisenberg Station 6.2 who kept her comfortable during her final days.
For many years Rhoda was active in the Cancer Relay for Life held in Kasson. In lieu of gifts and flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cancer Telethon or a cancer charity of your choice.
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 18, 2024, at St. John Baptiste de la Salle Parish, 20 2nd St NE in Dodge Center, MN. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 25 South St SW in Dodge Center, MN and one hour prior to her service at the church on Friday. A private family burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center, MN.
To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55940 (507) 634-6510. Blessed be her memory.
