Jonny L. Rice, Waupaca, Wisconsin, age 62, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at Riverside Medical Center in Waupaca surrounded by his loving family.
He was born September 8, 1952 in Merrill, WI, son of Ralph Jr. and Lois (Patefield) Rice. Jonny attended Waupaca High School and was known as an outstanding ball player through the years. After high school, he served in the Army National Guard and the United States Army Reserves from October 18, 1972 – June 14, 1980. On April 3, 1971, Jonny married Lily Boeck at First United Methodist Church in Waupaca. He worked at the Ford dealership in Waupaca for many years before starting his career at the Waupaca Foundry. Jonny worked at the Waupaca Foundry for 34 years before his retirement on his birthday, September 8, 2014. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed deer, coon, and duck hunting, fishing, woodcutting, and having campfires. Jonny was a former member of the Waupaca Fire Department for many years. He especially loved spending time with his family and many friends, and always was willing to lend a helping hand when called on. Jonny will be deeply missed by all of his loving family and friends.
Jonny is survived by: his wife, Lily Rice of Waupaca, WI; son, Matthew (Lisa) Rice of Waupaca, WI; daughter, Jennifer Rice of Waupaca, WI; grandson, Bronson Rice of Waupaca, WI; siblings: Kathleen (David) Barnhart of Waupaca, WI; Timmy (Judy) Rice of Waupaca, WI; Tommy Rice of Dover, NH; Wendy (Bob “Bear”) Graves of De Pere, WI; and brother-in-law, Robert Sivertsen of Waupaca, WI. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Jr. and Lois Rice; a sister, Jody Sivertsen; and a nephew, Kurt Graves. A Memorial Service will be on Friday, May 1, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca, WI. Pastor Jeff Fletcher will officiate.
A visitation will be held on Thursday evening, April 30, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Holly Funeral Home and again on Friday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Crystal Lake Cemetery in the Town of Dayton following the service on Friday with full military honors to be performed. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.