Rhize Ermel

Bradford Peter Ermel, now known as "Rhize" (they/them), 34, of Burlington, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

Born on August 27, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Rhize was a beloved sibling, child, and friend, known for their boundless passion, intelligence, and determination. A gifted musician with a sharp sense of humor, a vibrant spirit, and a tender heart, they faced significant personal and systemic challenges with great courage. Despite adversity, Rhize was steadfast in their search to create meaning and purpose throughout their life.

An entrepreneur at heart, Rhize’s career reflected their diverse skills and interests. From gem cutting to cultivating specialty peppers, they explored many paths, but it was in mycology they found their true calling. Rhize made a groundbreaking discovery in the successful indoor cultivation of morel mushrooms, a challenge that had long eluded others. This achievement significantly advanced the field of mycology. As Chief Mycologist and Acting CEO of All-In Peppers and Specialty Produce LLC, Rhize secured the National Science Foundation’s NSF-SBIR Phase 1 Seed Fund for continued research and commercialization in January 2024. Their relentless curiosity and inventive spirit will be dearly missed.

In addition to their professional pursuits, Rhize was deeply committed to community care, dedicating their life to supporting the vulnerable and underserved. From helping individuals struggling with homelessness and addiction at the Salvation Army to founding initiatives aimed at aiding marginalized groups, Rhize consistently sought to uplift those in need. As a trained street medic, they also tirelessly volunteered at protests providing medical support on the front lines of social justice movements. Rhize’s “revolutionary optimism” and unwavering belief in a more equitable world will never be forgotten.

Rhize is survived by their mother, Amy McCarthy; father, Matthias Ermel; sister, Lis Ermel; and service dog, Harry, along with many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins.

They are now joyfully reunited with their maternal grandparents, Elizabeth and Robert McCarthy; Aunt Lisa Freeman; Uncle Brad McCarthy; paternal grandparents, Inge and Peter Ermel; and Aunt Angelica Ebert.

A public memorial and celebration of life will be held at ZAO MKE CHURCH (2319 E. Kenwood Blvd. Milwaukee, WI 53211) on October 12, 2024, from 1 to 4 p.m. For updated information on the ceremony and to provide mutual aid for Rhize’s Memorial Fund, please follow their CaringBridge via https://rb.gy/ojj7bm. All are welcome to attend.

Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home is proudly serving the Ermel family.

• Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home
• 225 W. Main St. Waterford, WI 53185
• 262-534-2233
• www.stencelfh.com