The morning of Sept. 6, 2025, saw the closing of the final chapter of a remarkable girl from Coleman.
Audrey Ann Rivet (Chadwick, Rhode), 96, was born July 19, 1929, the firstborn of Ed and Delima (Woulf) Rivet, descendants of French Canadians who made their way to this frontier several generations prior. They worked a small plot of land on the Little Peshtigo River just west of town.
Along with her siblings, Audrey learned the hard work and determination necessary to survive on a small farm at the edge of the Great Northwoods during the Depression of the 1930s. She excelled in school, graduating valedictorian from Coleman High School in 1947.
Over the following three decades, Audrey brought her dedication and work ethic to motherhood. In 1953, she married Ernest (Ernie) Chadwick and raised their six children a few miles west on Kelly Lake. After Ernie’s death, she married Ransom (Buck) Rhode and became mother to his four children.
With her children grown, she and Buck returned to Coleman, living a mile upstream from her birthplace on the Little Peshtigo River. Here they would fill their house with laughter and joy, welcoming her returning children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and countless friends. Many called her Grandma Rhode. Friends knew her from the Round Roof Club at Kelly Lake and Coleman Insurance Agency in Coleman where she worked until retirement.
After Buck’s passing in 2018, she spent her remaining years in Oconto Falls and Spruce with her two dearest lifelong friends, sister, Marie, and her daughter, Gail.
She is survived by her children, Scott (Carol) Chadwick, Steve (Joanne) Chadwick, Mark (Gigi) Chadwick, Glenn (Ann) Chadwick, Gail (Paul) Yatso, John (Vicki) Chadwick, Steve (Kym) Rhode, Lynn Rhode and Mark Rhode; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Marie Janik; brother, Don (Judy) Rivet; and many other extended family and friends.
Audrey is preceded by her parents; husbands, Ernie and Buck; son, Paul Rhode; grandchild, Mike Rhode; brother, Allen Rivet; and sister, Germaine Mix.
In 2022, Audrey surrendered her will to Jesus and committed to following him each and every day. The girl from the Little Peshtigo River who touched so many people’s lives will be missed.
A visitation with the urn present will be held after 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. with Pastor Bill Tisch officiating. Burial at St. John’s Cemetery in Coleman.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Christian Servants’ loving caregiver, Erika Bauer, and The Cottages at Meadowlands Memory Care and Moments Hospice for their kindness, compassion and exceptional care.
