EAST MILLINOCKET - John Lawrence Rhoda, 81, woke up in heaven with his Lord, on October 11, 2021. Born to Ervin H. and Inez (Turney) Rhoda, he grew up in a hard-working farming family, first in Cornville and then on the family farm in Hodgdon. He earned his BS at UMO and did post graduate studies there and elsewhere. John has been married to Sandra (Rich) for 57 years and they have three sons. He taught high school science one year in Hodgdon, four years in NY, and 20 years at Schenck High School in East Millinocket. He truly cared about his students and went the extra mile to encourage and sometimes push them to reach their potential. He owned Rhodas’ Power Equipment, working part-time while teaching and then full time. John was a volunteer fireman and EMT on the local ambulance crew. After retirement, he and Sandra worked at a Christian camp in NH where they came to know camp staff from many other countries and were lovingly called ‘Pops’ and ‘Moms’. Those were special years with lasting friendships. John’s faith was an important part of who he was. He was also an avid hunter, fisherman, and berry picker, who loved being out in God’s beautiful world. A loving son, brother, husband, dad, grampy, teacher, neighbor, and friend, John liked to tease and be teased. Everywhere he went, someone stopped to thank him or share a fun memory. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra, brothers Herb (Pam) of ME, and Jim (Becky) of TX, and sister Ruth Clark (Brian) of NC; his sons, Dale (Kara) of OH, Dan (Jeannette) of NY, and Doug (Shannen) of Dover-Foxcroft; foster daughter, Barbara Peters of Woodville; beloved grandchildren Chantelle, Amilia, Tyler, Julie, Joel, Molly, Anna, Jason, Nathaniel, and Ben; three great-grandsons; sister-in law; Jan (Ken) Rockwell; brothers-in-law, Larry (Jackie) Rich and David Rich; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents. The Rhoda family extends heartfelt thanks to the kind staff at Katahdin Health Care in Millinocket for caring for John so well over these past few months. A socially distanced memorial celebration will be held at Millinocket Baptist Church, 297 Penobscot Ave, Millinocket, on October 23, 2021. The service will also be streamed online for those unable to or preferring not to gather. Visiting will begin at 12:30 preceding the 2pm service. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.