Felix M. Rice II, Died Dec. 19, 2017

Felix M. Rice II

Died Dec. 19, 2017

MAPLE CITY – Felix Michael Rice II, 67, of Maple City, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 19. 2017 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Felix was born Aug. 12, 1950 in Traverse City the son of Felix M. Rice and Cecelia E. (Bembeneck) Rice.  On July 17, 1971 at St. Rita’s Church of Maple City he married his loving wife of forty-six years, Diana M. (Shorter) Rice, who survives.

Felix was a man whose character was based on faith, family and hard work.  From the age of 17 until he retired at age 65 he worked as a mason.  He rose to become a master mason and for decades owned and operated his own company.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting; with his brother Leo, on the Rice family farm and his school lake property.  Felix’s friends knew him as an early morning fisherman with start times of 4:30 or 5:30 AM being the norm.  A treasured family memory is when his brother Leo and son Phillip took him on his first out of state trip to go Elk hunting in Montana.

Felix was a master cook and baker.  He crafted a lot of food from his giant garden.  He grew a lot and gave a lot away to help his friends and family.  Felix could cook soups, venison, and many other dishes. 

He was a man of faith who dedicated his skills and time to his church, the Holy Rosary Church of Cedar.  Felix thought of others before himself; he was called home with the treasure and enjoyment of his family, children and especially his grandchildren.

Felix is survived by his wife, Diana; his four sons, Matt (Amy) Rice, Michael Rice, Phillip (Stephanie) Rice, Felix M. Rice III; his siblings, Alfred Rice, Jim (Mona) Rice, Millie (Ronald) Evans, Harold Rice, Leo (Marilyn) Rice, Mark (Linda) Rice, Rebecca Houser; four grandchildren, Nick, Aubree, Kara, Tyler, a great grandchild, Braylon; and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Thomas Rice.

Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec 28 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7:30 pm at the Holy Rosary Church of Cedar.  The mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 29 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m., also at the church.  Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Father Donald Libby will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to St. Judes’ Children’s Research Hospital, and/or Shriners Hospitals for Children, and/or Mass Intentions.

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