Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Leonard Samuel "Papa" Rice, age 88, of Winneconne, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away on Friday, June 21, 2013. Len was born in Brighton, Colorado on December 9, 1924, the son of the late Fred and Elizabeth (Kummer) Rice. On May 20, 1943, shortly before his High School graduation from Omro High School, Len was drafted and inducted into the United States Army. He served as a Sergeant in Company E, 12th Infantry, and 4th Division. During his tour of duty in Europe Len was wounded and taken prisoner of war "in the Battle of the Bulge" later to receive the Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medal. After returning from the war he attended Oshkosh State Teachers College transferring to the University of Wisconsin to complete his Bachelor of Science and Pharmacy degree. During his college years Len courted his old high school sweetheart and on April 17, 1949, he married June C. Hellwig. Upon graduation in 1950, Len worked for Bohlman Drugs in Boscobel, and Hilton Pharmacy in LaCrosse, before moving to Winneconne to work for Stearns Drug. On March 9, 1959, Len opened Rice Pharmacy and operated the store for 36 years until his retirement in 1995. Just as Len had served his country during World War II, he continued to service in his own community by becoming an active member in the Winneconne Kiwanis, Legion and Masons. He was very much a family man involved in his children's activities serving as a Boy Scout Leader for many years and led many work weekends at Camp Hiwela for Camp Fire Girls. Len's faith and service to his Church was always a top priority serving often on the Session for the First Presbyterian Church of Winneconne or other committees. Len was an avid reader who instilled in his children and grandchildren the importance and love of reading. Len loved to hunt with his boys and work on the farm at Clark's Bay. Whether it was fishing in Canada or on the mighty Wolf, Len loved to fish'um, clean'um, cook'um and eat'um with his wife, his kids, his grandkids or friends. Len was a remarkable man who taught us wonderful life lessons and loved us unconditionally. His love and memories will always live in our hearts.
Papa is loved and sadly missed by his daughter, Jane (Tom) Kinney, Sun Prairie and foreign exchange daughter Benja Chonlatanon; his sons, Bill (Carol) Rice, Springfield, Illinois; David (Ilona) Rice, Kewaunee; Tim Rice, Omro; his grandchildren, Anne (Nathan) Poe, Meghan Kinney, Emily Kinney, Lindsay (Steve) Kane, Sara (Alec) Belling, Bill Rice, Owen Rice, Evan Rice, and Selena Ritchie; and great-granddaughter Katie Poe.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Elizabeth Rice; five brothers, Adam (Virginia), Dan (Lillian), Fred (Jeanette), Ted and Leo; and four sisters, Esther (Paul) Achterberg, Elsie (James) Jensen, Leona (Clarence "Bud") Koehn, and Florence (Edward) Dory; and his wife June.
Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held on Friday, June 28, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 32 S. Third Ave., Winneconne, with Pastor Mara Liz Rivera officiating. A luncheon and fellowship at the church will follow a Military Burial at the Winneconne Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established in Len's name at the First Presbyterian Church, Winneconne.
Please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.
Feel no guilt in laughter he'd know how much you care.
Feel no sorrow in a smile that he is not here to share.
You cannot grieve forever; he would not want you to.
He'd hope that you could carry on the way you always do.
So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared,
The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared.
Let memories surround you, a word someone may say
Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day,
That brings him back as clearly as though he were still here,
And fills you with the feeling that he is always near.
For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart
And he will live forever locked safely within your heart.
Unknown
Mueller Funeral Home
Winneconne
(920) 582-4242
Terry Paille wrote on July 17, 2013
Uncle Len always sent a Christmas package to our family home made sausage and Wisconsin cheese. When my mom died he sent me and my family the cheese. It was great to talk to him a few times a year. Last time I saw him was in the early 80's when we visited. Say hi to mom and Aunt Elsie for me.
Anne (Oakes) Timmel wrote on July 12, 2013
My parents (Grant and Lucille Tenant Oakes) thought so highly of Leonard! We used to enjoy our family visits to Winneconne!
Lucinda Stearns Butler wrote on July 10, 2013
Our family sends our sincerest sympathy and are sorry to hear about Len's death.
Judy Jacobson wrote on July 9, 2013
Tim and siblings...we were so sorry to learn of your dad's passing. A special man to all of Winneconne. Tim, didn't know how to get in touch with my "second son" so please accept our sympathies via this method. I sure hope your folks have found Jeff and can "try" to keep him in line! Love you, Judy and Dave
Sarah (Bradley) Druecke wrote on June 28, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Rice family. Mr. Rice was a thoughtful, kind, and generous man who always made our family feel like we were a part of his. He will be greatly missed and we know summer days at the pool will always bring great memories of growing up at Rice's pool. With all our love, The Bradleys (Randy, LuAnn, Stacy & Sarah)
milton kahl wrote on June 28, 2013
Tim. so sorry for your loss. your dad was a great guy. he looked at you and me more than once and shook his head. I am honored to have known him
Dennis Shimanek wrote on June 27, 2013
What a great day in my life when I first met Len. Little did I know that from that day forward, I would see a man with such great values and such care for everyone. What great memories I have of him, the fishing trips, the fishing contests, beating him and Uncle Bill, will never forget. Deb and I wll not be able to make it to the service but I know my heart will be there. Len - I hope that Snoopy pole is still bringing them in.
Earl J. Luaders wrote on June 27, 2013
Len was a very nice man. I always enjoyed talking with him and seeing him in church.
Ben Kinney wrote on June 27, 2013
We'd like to express our deep sympathy to the Rice family, but also celebrate his life and accomplishments as a veteran, husband,father,papa,and friend to many. He was a legend in Winneconne, and was the patriarch of a great family. If you were lucky enough to meet and know Len Rice there are some great memories we have to remember and share.
Much Love to the Rice Family during these tough times.
Ben, Julia, and McKayla Kinney
Rob Boelk wrote on June 25, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Tim your father sounded like a wonderful human being. With deepest sympathy....
Joan (Moran ) Case wrote on June 25, 2013
I know, from my own experiences, that Len thought of his pharmacy customers as though they were family. His concerns were very sincere and helpful to this woman as a young wife and mother in Winneconne. He will be rewarded.
Marianne (Rice) Spain wrote on June 25, 2013
Dear June, Bill, Dave and Tim
I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Uncle Len was undoubtedly my favorite of all my dad's siblings. I have such wonderful memories of visiting you all. I know that you have wonderful memories of him as well.
I am unable to attend the services, but please know that you will be in my heart and I'll be thinking of you all.
I would love to stay in touch with you. Cathy and Les will be at the service. They can give you my email/home address or you can give her yours.
I hope that we can connect soon.
Much love
Marianne
Kathryn, Charles and Megan Deason wrote on June 24, 2013
Last of the brothers and sisters to go to Heaven, my Uncle Len will join them and be the life of the party! Blessings to Family. Love Kath (Koehn) Deason
Tony Agatucci wrote on June 24, 2013
I am very sorry for your loss. Bill, your Dad sounds like a wonderful man. May your memories soften the grief that you feel.
Your carving buddy, Tony.
Kenneth and Vivian Jensen wrote on June 24, 2013
I got to know my uncle Len through my mom, Elsie.I know how special person he was by how much she loved him. They grew up in hard times but no matter how far apart, they were always family. The Rice (Kummer) kids are all together waiting for us all. God's love, blessings and comfort are yours as are our prayers and thoughts,
Love
Kenneth, Vivian, James, Ellen, and Robert of the Rice Clan, Pacific Northwest
Tim rice wrote on June 24, 2013
Love you dad you and mom leave some fish left for us to catch when we get ther
Sheila Kellar wrote on June 24, 2013
My deepest sympathy to each of you at this most difficult time. I have heard nothing but wonderful stories of "Papa" over the years.