Sgt. Austin Michael Rhodes

It is with great sadness that the family of Sgt. Austin Michael Rhodes, 24 of Chatham, IL announce his passing on May 19, 2025.

Austin was born March 9, 2001, in Springfield, IL the son of Jessica Ladage and Jason Rhodes.

SGT Rhodes enlisted with the United States Army Active-Duty Component in September 2020 as an Air Defense Early Warning System Operator for the Patriot Missile Air Defense System. He completed Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, OK, the same year. In 2021, he served a year-long tour of duty in South Korea at Camp Carr. Upon returning to the United States, he was stationed at Fort Bliss, TX, and continued to serve as an Early Warning Specialist. He deployed to Kuwait in April 2024 and continued to gain experience working in an operational environment with complex international considerations. After he completed his tour, he returned to Fort Bliss where he began studying for promotion to Sergeant.

His military decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (w/two knots), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat and Special Skill Badge, Marksmanship Qualification Badge, Carbine - Expert.

Austin loved spending time with his family and hanging out with all his brothers in the Army. In his spare time, Austin enjoyed playing video games with his friends, playing basketball and he enjoyed fishing. Austin was a very bright, funny young man with a heart of gold. He would do anything for anyone at anytime.

Austin married Kristyn M. Tuttle on March 20, 2023. They met in South Korea while on deployment in 2021.

Surviving is his wife, Kristyn Tuttle; parents, Jessica (Bill) Kowalski of Chatham, Jason (Raven) Rhodes of Auburn; One sister Brynlee Kowalski; maternal grandparents, Wayne and Pat Ladage; paternal grandparents, Larry and Fonda Rhodes; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be from 4pm till 7pm, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Bramley Funeral Home, 150 Reichert Rd, Divernon.  Funeral services will be held at 11am, Friday at Bramley Funeral Home.  Burial will follow with military honors at Brush Creek Cemetery in Divernon.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to W.I.L.D. Canine Rescue, 3309 Robbins Rd. #109, Springfield, IL 62704.