William J. Rice

Bill was born on June 4, 1935, in Kingsford, the son of Leo Sr. and Hazel (Vandehey) Rice.

Bill graduated from Kingsford High school in 1954 and was a lifelong resident of Kingsford. He married Dolores Massignan on April 23, 1955, at American Martyrs Catholic Church where he was a faithful parishioner. He was always ready to respond to whatever God sent his way. Bill and Dee celebrated 66 years of marriage in April.

The three things Bill valued most were his family, faith, and hard work. Never missing a special family occasion and a daily rosary were part of his routine. Bill was a good, honest man who always put his family first. He was self-made, who at the age of 15, built and operated a successful business, The Rice Juice Company.

After turning the business over to his son, Larry, Bill could often still be found at the “Juice Plant.” He was a member of the United Commercial Travelers and the Knights of Columbus. Bill had a passion for sports and loved to watch the Packers and the Detroit Tigers.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Dolores Rice, are his four children, Cathrine (Dan Germic) Rice of Kingsford, Sally (Jim) Skolasky of Kalamazoo, Mich. Larry (Laura) Rice of Kingsford, and Angela (Tom) Bal of De Pere, Wis.; eight grandchildren, Brianne (Michael Phillips) Johnson, Luke (Alyssa) Skolasky, Sara (Anthony) Pulcini, Lewis Rice, Lee Rice, Lauren Rice, Billie Dee Bal, and Rachel Bal; three great-grandchildren, Brexlie Phillips, Everett Skolasky, and Theo Pulcini. Bill also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Leo Sr. and Hazel Rice, he was preceded in death by six brothers, James, Bob, Leo Jr., Bernard, Jack, and Melvin.

Bill’s love and impact on family and friends will live on forever in their hearts.

Visitation will be held 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain.

Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Fr. Joseph Gouin will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.

Condolences to the family of William J. “Bill” Rice may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.