Rhoda Kathryn Brooks

 Rhoda Kathryn Brook

Sept 4, 1935 - August 14, 2026

Celebration of life Saturday, September 19, 2026

9:30 gathering, 11:00 service, reception following

Excelsior United Methodist church

811 3rd Ave, Excelsior MN 55331

Service (11:00 CT) livestream https://vimeo.com/event/6132255/e9e1a9e35a

Rhoda Brooks passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. She lived an amazing life of service and joy, embracing each day according to one of her favorite mottos: "Celebrate Life!"

Born a "preacher's kid" in rural Minnesota, Rhoda grew up moving with her family as her father's parish assignments changed, eventually settling in Madison, Wisconsin, where Rhoda attended West High School, and enjoyed playing volleyball, basketball, swimming (lifeguarding) and learning to play the violin. She graduated in 1953 and then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying elementary education and graduating in 1957.

While at the university, she met the love of her life, Earle Brooks, at the Wesley Foundation student center. They shared a love of singing and married in 1959. The ceremony took place outdoors, highly unusual for the time.Inspired by President Kennedy's call to service, Rhoda and Earle joined the newly formed Peace Corps and were assigned to Manta, Ecuador, where they served for two years, from 1961 to 1963. This experience launched a lifetime of service to others and to the world that would define Rhoda's life.

Upon leaving the Peace Corps, Rhoda and Earle adopted two children from Manta, Carmen, and Ricardo, welcomed their son Ned, and wrote The Barrios of Manta, the first book by returned Peace Corps volunteers. Rhoda also appeared on the cover of the September 1960 issue of National Geographic. Several years later, they adopted their daughter Jocelyn, completing their family.

Rhoda and Earle settled in Excelsior, Minnesota, in the early 1960s, and it remained Rhoda's home for more than 60 years. Their home became a place of welcome and connection for people from around the world. The Brooks family sponsored a Vietnamese refugee and a Liberian immigrant, hosted exchange students from Ecuador, Denmark, and Chile, and welcomed countless shorter-term visitors and friends.

Along with members of both their families, Rhoda and Earle also established the family retreat Weeona, in the woods of central Wisconsin. Weeona became a cherished place for gatherings, reflection, and celebration—a special and unique place for family and an extended network of friends and goddesses! Together, Rhoda and Earle were visionaries and pioneers, creating a way of life that Rhoda continued and expanded after Earle's death in 1989.

Rhoda was deeply engaged in her community. She served on the park board and was an active member of Excelsior United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir through most of her 90th year. She also sang for many years in the Minnesota Chorale. From her home on St. Alban's Bay, she regularly brought people together for gatherings celebrating Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, the Vernal Equinox, Chilean Independence, and many other occasions. For Rhoda, bringing people together was itself a way of celebrating life.

For most of her career, Rhoda taught special education in the Minnetonka and Waconia school districts, supporting children with learning and emotional disabilities. She earned a master's degree from the University of Minnesota and became a pioneer in the field. She later served as a professor at the University of Northern Iowa's Price Lab Scool, where she taught and mentored future special education teachers. Rhoda also co-founded Timbertop Camp, an overnight camp for students with special educational needs, and remains a driving force behind its continued success. The camp is now in its 59th year.

Throughout her life, Rhoda was a passionate advocate for peace, social justice, multiculturalism, and spirituality. She did not simply believe in these ideals—she lived them. Through her service, teaching, activism, generosity, and friendship, she worked to make these aspirations a reality and touched the lives of people both near and far.

Rhoda was an initiator, connector, teacher, role model, and friend to many. She was also the loving and determined matriarch of a large, extended family.Rhoda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earle, and daughter, Jocelyn. She is survived by her children Ricardo (Julija), Carmen (Dan), and Ned (Gudrun); grandchildren Brenda, Matthew, Patricia, Katie, Liz, Michael, Simon, and Owen; great-grandchildren Brooks, Carolina, Olie, and Charlie; former daughter-in-law Nuria and son-in-law Dave.

Rhoda lived a life of purpose, adventure, compassion, and joy. She opened her home, her heart, and her life to others, leaving the world—and the many people fortunate enough to know her—better than she found it.

Rest in peace, Rhoda. You truly made a positive difference in this world and taught us all to Celebrate Life!

Memorials to: Timbertop Camp scholarship fund  or    Northland Rec Lab