Dolores ‘Dee’ Rice

Dolores was born in Kingsford on June 30, 1936, to the late Marco and Angeline (St. Juliana) Massignan.

Dolores graduated from Kingsford High School in 1954 and was a lifelong resident of Kingsford. A year after graduating from high school, on April 23, 1955, Dolores married William J. Rice at American Martyrs Catholic Church. Dolores has left a legacy of faith, family, and hard work.

Dolores’s faith was an important part of her life. She was a dedicated member of American Martyrs Parish, and her love for God was seen daily in her willingness to help family and friends. Praying the rosary and solitaire moments of prayer were part of her daily routine.

Dolores was the heart of her family. Together with Bill, they raised four children. Her Italian traditions of cooking and baking always brought family and friends together, one of her greatest joys. A yearly Christmas celebration at the family home will always be a cherished memory. She never missed a family event and loved being “Nonie” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dolores loved to read, collect antiques, travel, and cheer for the Packers.

Along with her husband, Bill, and son Larry, Dolores ran the office of the family business, The Rice Juice Company. Up until her final months, she continued to deliver reports for the business, a testimony to her strong work ethic.

Dolores will be deeply missed by her four children, Cathy (Dan Germic) Rice of Iron River, Sally (Jim) Skolasky of Kalamazoo, Mich., Larry (Laura) Rice of Kingsford, and Angie (Tom) Bal of De Pere, Wis.; eight grandchildren, Brianne (Michael Phillips) Johnson, Luke (Alyssa) Skolasky, Sara (Anthony) Pulcini, Lewis (Angie) Rice, Lee Rice, Lauren Rice, Billie Dee Bal, and Rachel Bal; six great-grandchildren, Brexlie Phillips, Everett Skolasky, Theo Pulcini, Revlyn Phillips, Vinny Pulcini, and Rocco Pulcini; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Dolores was preceded in death by two siblings, Ernie (Kathryn) Massignan and Betty (Chuck) Plasters.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 4, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Ave., followed by a funeral Mass starting at noon at American Martyrs Catholic Church, 908 W. Sagola Ave., Kingsford, with Father Greg Heikala officiating. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.

Dolores’s family would like to thank all the caregivers who have assisted in her care over the last six months. Through this journey, she connected with many fabulous health care professionals.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Dolores C. Rice online at www.ernashfuneralhome.com.

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