Richard Rice

Having blessed the earth with his presence, Richard Gordon Rice, 56, of rural Lennox, born February 29, 1956, from the union of Verlyn and Betty Rice, died Sunday December 2, 2012 at his home. An Air Force veteran, Rich was proud of his country and his current service working for the Internal Revenue Service. Rich is survived by his wife of 30 years, Fran, and his son, Ross; his mother, Betty, Rapid City; sisters, Janet (Gerald) Sorenson, Canton; Cindy Thum and special friend, Bill Porter, Arizona; brother, Ralph Rice, Rapid City; special cousin, David (Sharyl) Rice, Harrisburg; special friends, Sharla (Larry) Janssen, Tom (Katie) Lukes, Don, Jim K., Bill, Jim D., Gary &Ginger; Uncles Wayne (Marianne)Rice; Dwayne (Sylvia) Olson; Ron Olson; Craig Olson and Aunt Virginia; several nieces, nephews, and cousins and numerous friends from high school, college and his fraternity brotherhood, SDSU?s Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He was preceded in death by his beloved father, Verlyn Rice, and many other relatives and dear friends. Rich graduated in 1974 from Harrisburg High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force. His service to our country at Offutt Air Force Base was significant to his life. After completing his tour of duty, he attended South Dakota State University and graduated in 1982 from Augustana College. He married Frances Rice in 1982 and began his career. In 1992, his son, Ross, was born and gave him such joy to watch grow into a young man and be with. Rich had many passions including being a 20 year member of the DTGCA. Rich cherished hunting with his son and his buddies from all over the state. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at South Dakota State University and enjoyed Saturday?s Jacks game with the clients at the Volunteers of America, Dakotas Third Street location. Rich was a giving, caring man, who loved his time with his extended family, the clients at the Volunteers of America, Dakota Sioux Falls especially the locations of Silver Valley and Third Street. Rich worked for many years with Specialized Card Services before they became Household Credit. Since staying with his position would have moved him from his home of South Dakota, he pursued other jobs in computer science, customer service and the pawn industry. At the time of his death, Rich was employed by the U.S. Department of Treasury at the Sioux Falls Internal Revenue Service office offering helpful assistance to stressed tax payers and truck licensees. A job he truly loved. To complete their honor of Rich?s life, his family will have a private ceremony at a future date at the Black Hills National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you would please make any donation to celebrate Rich?s life through one of the following: SDSU Air Force ROTC Arnold Air Society, building program for SDSU?s Sigma Alpha Epsilon or the Volunteers of America, Dakotas Sioux Falls programs at Silver Valley or Third Street. He will be missed by all of his family members and friends as he moves into the secure hands of the Lord. Please know that wherever you are, our love, your passion for honesty, fairness and honoring our country will be continued