Michael Ray Rhodes

Michael Rhodes, son of Ray and LaVonne Rhodes, passed away on December 29, 2023. Mike, 78, was born in Estherville, Iowa, where he met his future wife, Diane Krafft, in kindergarten. They were Junior High as well as High School sweethearts and married in 1967. Mike received his BA from Yale University, his M.Div from Pacific School of Religion and his MFA from USC Film School. Happily married for 56 years, Mike and Diane raised their daughters in Pacific Palisades, California. Mike’s greatest joy was being a husband and father. He looked forward to family reunions, especially at Lake Okoboji, Iowa, where he spent many fun-filled summers as a child. Traveling, camping, hiking, scuba diving, sailing, reading and photography were his favorite activities. Mike was a loving, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who invented games and adventures for his kids and grandkids, creating treasure maps, hiding buried treasure, and playacting his version of Captain Kidd. He will be remembered for his big heart, playful sense of humor, compassion, and generosity.

Mike’s 30 year career as a film director and producer earned him many awards, including 5 Emmys and the Humanitas Prize. He cared deeply about his work, approaching it with enthusiasm, creativity, and a belief in the magic that happens when the cast and crew come together for a shared purpose. When Mike semi-retired, he and Diane moved to Oxnard Shores where they started an educational non-profit which they enjoyed working on together. There they loved walking on the nearby beach and having picnics on the dunes. Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Diane, his precious daughters, Sara Greenfield (Glen) and Kate Peterson (Nils), and five grandchildren who gave him great joy: Natalie, Nathan, Beatrice, Miriam, and Rose. He is also survived by his dear sister MariAnn Blatch (Barnaby), brother-in-law Don Krafft (Elizabeth) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mike’s loving nature made all those around him feel safe, loved, and included. He will be dearly missed. He was a good man.

The family is planning a celebration of his life. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Food Share Ventura.