The Kalamazoo community is mourning the loss of a beloved figure known for his vibrant autumnal offerings. Gene Rhodes, affectionately dubbed "Gene the Pumpkin Man," passed away yesterday, as confirmed by his niece, Kim Emmons. Rhodes, who was 88, leaves behind a legacy entwined with the joy of the harvest season and the enduring charm of his pumpkin-themed farm.
Located along M-43, Gene’s farm was a seasonal landmark that heralded fall's arrival for many. A third-generation farmer, Rhodes transformed his family's traditional agriculture into a pumpkin paradise that drew visitors from all over Southwest Michigan. According to WWMT, the idea to sell pumpkins sparked in 1957 and soon became the defining feature of his venture, with the roadside attraction recognizable by its giant pumpkin sign and complemented by an orange Cadillac often parked out front.
In a report by WZZM13, Rhodes was remembered for his delight in his farm and the customers it drew annually, where he sold a product and gave away memories. Not merely a farmer, Rhodes was also an employee of the State of Michigan, retiring after a 37-year career. His simultaneous stewardship of the land and civil service career painted the portrait of a man deeply woven into the fabric of his community.
The farm itself began modestly, escalating from 500 pounds to 135 tons of pumpkins and squash sold annually. In an interview given in his 88th year, Rhodes expressed a poignant awareness of his life's seasonal cycles: “As long as I can function, I'll do this. When I can't function, I’ll wish I could," he said, as per WZZM13. Despite no family members wishing to continue the pumpkin legacy, a personal friend had promised to uphold the tradition, ensuring that the barn door's 12-foot sign proclaiming 'Gene the Pumpkin Man' would endure.
Rhodes was laid to rest beside his wife, Carol, who passed away in 2012, under a headstone in the shape of a pumpkin, symbolizing their shared love for the farm and their community endeavors. Emmons, speaking to MLive, recalled the warm memories and the "loud, boisterous laugh" that defined her uncle, whose farm and persona left an indelible mark both on family and countless visitors who made it a part of their fall tradition. She spoke of bringing residents from an assisted living facility to the farm to rekindle childhood joys, exemplifying the deeply personal impact of Rhodes's commitment to community spirit, one pumpkin at a time.
