Wayne Rice

Funeral Services for Wayne Rice, 69, of Jefferson will be 10:30 a.m. April 29, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson.  Interment will be at Jefferson Cemetery.  Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. April 28, at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.   Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church in Jefferson or the Webb House and may be left at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home.

Wayne Eugene Rice was born July 26, 1944 in Jefferson. He was the third of seven children born to Glen and Gladys Rice. He was raised near Farlin, attending country school through 8th grade and graduated from high school in Jefferson.
In 1965, Wayne was married to Kathryn (Schilling) Rice at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson.  They were parents to 5 children:  Kelly (Becky) Rice, Teresa (Monte) Heeren, Trina (Jon) Eberle, Tanya (Alan) Betts, and Tami (Nate) Quam.

Wayne lived his adult life near Churdan where he raised his family.  He farmed with his father and brothers and was a dealer of Funks G seed for many years.  He farrowed hogs, bottle fed baby calves raising them to market weight, and assisted his children with many 4-H livestock projects through the years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he held many committee roles and helped with various projects.  He enjoyed nights of playing cards with the neighbors and times spent outdoors snowmobiling, sledding, and riding his motorcycle.  His seed selling days allowed him to travel meeting many people and he enjoyed the conversations it provided.  He truly loved the outdoors and the farm life he was blessed with.  

Wayne had a great love for children and surrounding himself with people.  Wayne spent time at local businesses talking with friends, often purchasing pop or candy for any kids that stopped in.  He never knew a stranger and truly loved making kids smile.  He cherished his time with his children, his grandchildren, and many others. He loved attending activities and going places because it allowed him to continue to meet and visit with people.  He would strike up conversations waiting in the mall while the girls shopped or with others while watching ballgames and other events of the kids and grandkids.  He had great stories to tell.

Wayne left farm life moving to Jefferson in 2002.  He enjoyed eating out at the local restaurants, visiting with friends, and in recent years he continued his trips on his scooter.

Wayne died at home April 24, at the age of 69 years.  Preceding him in death were his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, his brother Duane and brother-in-law Bob.

Wayne is survived by his wife Kathy Rice of Jefferson; his son:  Kelly (Becky) Rice of Jefferson; daughters:  Teresa (Monte) Heeren of Grimes; Trina (Jon) Eberle of North Richland Hills, TX, Tanya (Alan) Betts of Jefferson; and Tami (Nate) Quam of Boone; 6 grandchildren:  Nick Collogan and fiancé Amanda Valentin, Katie Rice, Kurtis Rice, Mandy Heeren, Kara Betts, and Cole Betts; sisters:  Barbara Tilley of Jefferson; Glenda (Warder) Hillhouse of Panora; Linda (James) Collins of Ankeny; and Beverly (Tracy) Olson of Willmar, MN; brother Darwin (Diane) Rice of Jefferson; sister-in-law:  Sheryl Rice of Jefferson; brothers-in-law:  Larry (Karen) Schilling and Darwin (Bonnie) Schilling both of Wellington, KS; other relatives and many friends. Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home www.sliningerrossowfuneralhome.com, 515-386-2171.
 

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Jefferson Bee & Herald
Address: 200 N. Wilson St.
Jefferson, IA 50129

Phone:(515) 386-4161