Francis L. Rice, Died June 5, 2019

Francis L. Rice

Died June 5, 2019

CEDAR – Francis “Frank” Leo Rice, 93, of Cedar passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions with his loving family at his side.

Francis was born March 8, 1926 in Cedar the son of Bonislas and Frances (Sharnowski) Rice. 

Frank was drafted into the Army in 1952 and served two years.  Upon his return home, he helped his parents on their family farm planting and maintaining strawberries and cherries.  Frank continued to farm until 1994, at which time he sold the farm to his nephews.  Until the day he passed, Frank continued to be interested in how the cherry crop was looking for the year.

Frank was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He enjoyed fishing for anything that would bite; nothing was too big; nothing was too small.  Frank’s nephews remember fishing trips with as many as five little boys in a boat with cane poles fishing for panfish.  Frank spent more time baiting hooks than fishing himself.  He loved hunting and was just as happy for a friend who was successful in harvesting a deer, as if he had bagged the buck himself.

Frank had a very generous spirit and kind heart.  He never spoke poorly of anyone and was more than happy to share anything he had with others.  Nieces and nephews could count on a candy bar every time they went to visit with him.

Frank is survived by his sister, Barbara (Roque) Flores and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Clara (Ted) Kabot, Susan (Edmund) Kabat, Rita (Edmund) Darga and Raymond and John Rice.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Cedar with the family greeting friends at 10:00 a.m.  Burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery will follow the mass.  Father Donald Libby will serve as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Holy Rosary Church or for mass intentions, 6982 S. Schomberg Road, Cedar, MI 49621.

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