VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI — Gene “The Pumpkin Man” Rhodes sold pumpkins at his family farm each year from 1957 to 2024, offering a fall tradition to many in the Greater Kalamazoo area.

Rhodes died in December at age 88. And for the first time in decades, the Almena Township farm, at 22637 M-43, sits quiet.

It won’t sit quiet long, however.

Rhodes’ great-nephew, Steele Evans, and his wife, Sadie Evans, have purchased the farm from the family trust. The couple plans to reopen it in 2026 as Evans Acres Family Farm .

The announcement was made this week by both parties.

The response overwhelmed Steele and Sadie Evans as thousands offered their support and excitement on social media.

“We toyed with the idea of trying to be open this fall,” Steele Evans said. “Realistically, I could throw so

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