Arthur Charles “Chuck” Rhode, 88, passed away May 17, 2013, at Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane due to declining health. He was born March 7, 1925, in Herman, Minn., to Arthur G. Rhode and Hazel E. (Noben) Rhode.

The son of a farmer, Chuck grew up in Fargo, N.D., and then entered the Army three days after his high school graduation. He was a proud, decorated World War II Veteran. He drove a tank throughout Europe, including the Battle of the Bulge, receiving the Purple Heart. After his discharge, he returned to Fargo to play semi-pro baseball and later moved to Spokane to begin his 30-year career as an optician for Bausch & Lomb Optical.

Chuck had a passion for sports, especially baseball. In addition to playing American Legion Baseball in high school with his team taking the championship, and his semi-pro pitcher experience, he was also a ping pong champ in the Army. He enjoyed collecting coins, playing bridge, meeting longtime friends in Las Vegas, Nev., for cards, and performing card tricks to eager audiences. He also enjoyed belonging to a bowling team, and in later years, playing on a Wii bowling league at the Touchmark. He was a man of laughter with a positive attitude. He always desired to make people smile with a joke or story.

A single dad, he raised his only daughter, “Candy,” with the help of his parents. He devoted his life to her. He taught her to love dogs and the game of baseball. He and Candace became avid Dodgers fans when the Spokane Indians were a farm team for the LA Dodgers in the 1960s. He also delighted in spending time with his son-in-law, Rob, and watching Gonzaga basketball games together.

Chuck is survived by his daughter and husband, Candace and Robert Moore of Coeur d’Alene; five nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother John.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at the Touchmark Retirement Community Forum, 2929 South Waterford Drive, Spokane. The family suggests memorial gifts made to the American Lung Association. Community Cremation & Funeral, Spokane, has been entrusted to handle final arrangements.