Peter Heinrich Rhoads

Peter Heinrich Rhoads, age 84, of Colordao Springs, passed away peacefully at home on May 7, 2024. Peter was born in Heilbronn am Neckar, in Southwest Germany; the son of Karl Heinrich Blank and Marzelline Marin. When he was young, his father was listed as missing in action and presumed dead during World War I. His mother later remarried to Elmer Ross Rhoads, a U.S. Serviceman, who adopted and raised both Peter and his younger sister. The family eventually relocated to Tacoma, Washington where Peter graduated with the class of 1958 from Clover Park High School. In the Fall of 1958 Peter enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country for 23 years. During this time, he served in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star along with several other meritorious medals. While he was in the Service, Peter was proud to became a Naturalized Citizen of the United States on Jan 5, 1962. Peter retired from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs as Administrative Superintendent in 1981.

Peter was united in marriage on Feb. 14, 1985 in Mankato, Minnesota with Barbara Jean Gemmill. Over the years, Peter and Barbara shared their lives with 9 beautiful Old English sheep dogs. After his retirement from the Air Force Peter worked for SAES Getters in Colorado Springs, and later moved to Summit County and worked for Keystone-Vail Resorts. Peter and Barbara moved back to Colorado Springs in 2001.