Dean Robert Rice, 93, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 at Fairview Living Center in Centreville, where had been a resident for the past four years. Dean was born in Three Rivers on Feb. 5, 1921, the son of Henry and Verna (VanNordstrand) Rice.
Dean had lived his entire life in the Three Rivers area. He was a past member of the Three Rivers Bible Church and most recently the Texas Corners Bible Church. He loved anything to do with trains, planes and Ford automobiles. He also loved traveling. One of his favorite places to travel was Hawaii.
Dean was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving in World War II. He was stationed in France and Germany and saw many atrocities of the war.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 37 years, June E. (Bradford); his second wife, Maxine M. (Berry) Rice; third wife, Mary (Arnold) Rice; his brothers, Roswell (Grace), Wendell (Ceola), Franklin (Cybella), Bernard (Laura Mae) and Calvin.
Dean leaves to cherish his memory three children, Lyle (Linda) Rice of Portage, Marian (Jay) Cottingham/Schleisman of Three Rivers and Daryl (Sue) Rice of Three Rivers; grandchildren, Laurie (Rob) Belson of Mendon, Chad (Kristen) Cottingham of Three Rivers, Ryan (Christy) Cottingham of Spring Arbor, Chase (Emily) Cottingham of Portage, Kristine (Jesse) Spicer of Alpena, Casey (Kendall) Ulsh of Schoolcraft and Amanda Rice of Washington D.C.; 20 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Per Dean’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations in memory of Dean may be made to the American Diabetic Association in memory of his wife, June. Envelopes are available at the Hohner Funeral Home in Three Rivers.
Online condolences may be left at hohnerfh.com.