Ronald Rice, 80

Published 9:45 am Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Ronald Edward Rice, 80, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2011.

Ron Rice

Ronnie Rice was born on Sept. 24, 1930, in Jefferson, Iowa to Walter and Mary Grimes Rice. In 1935, the family moved to a farm near Dundee and later to a farm near Avoca. In 1937, the family moved to a farm south east of Hadley and Ronnie attended Slayton High School. On Aug. 22, 1950, he and Erlene McDonald were married at St. Columba Church in Iona. Following their marriage they lived in Slayton and raised their eight children. Ronnie worked for the Slayton City Street and Water Department. On Aug. 16, 1980 Erlene passed away. In 1985 Ronnie returned to the family farm. Ronnie retired in 1992. In September 2010 he became a resident of Our House Hospice Home in Slayton and passed away there on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at the age of 80. He was a member of St. Ann’s Church in Slayton. Ronnie also was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Ronnie enjoyed gardening, shooting pool, and playing pinochle in Hadley.

Survivors include his seven children and their spouses, Tom and Peggy Rice of Lakeville, Jane and Gary Thome of Adams, Jill and Jim Wallar of Forest Lake, Mark and Jean Rice of Alexandria, Mike and Alexa Rice of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Dave and Karen Rice of Chanhassen, and Nancy and Mark Grant of Prior Lake, one daughter-in-law, Jean Rice of Slayton, special friend, Margaret Staples of Slayton, 23 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and his dog, Toby. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Erlene and son, John Rice.

Funeral services are at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton on Friday, March 11, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. James Seitz officiating. The organist is Judy Andrews. The song leader is Sheila Crowley. The pallbearers are his grandsons, Chad Rice, Eric Rice, Mark Rice, Jim Rice, Matt Thome, Pat Thome, Peter Thome, Andy Rice, Kevin Wallar, Mike Bassett, Dan Rice, Michael Rice, Jon Rice, and Connor Grant. Interment is at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Slayton.

Visitation will be on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton from 4-7 p.m. with a KC Rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation will also one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton in charge of arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com.