Robert William Rice

DAKOTA DUNES, S.D. -- Robert William Rice, 88, of Dakota Dunes passed away Monday, February 6, 2012, at a local nursing home following a lengthy illness. Services will be 10 A.M. Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Morningside Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. David Koehler officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a Masonic service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Robert was born November 9, 1923, in Waterloo, Neb., the son of Frank and Elsie (Lentell) Rice. Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1943 to 1946. He was a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Robert married LaVelle DeHaan on September 6, 1991 in Sioux City. He was the owner and operator of R.W. Rice Company for 35 years. Robert enjoyed mechanical engineering, golf, bowling, hunting pheasants, and fishing, and was a huge fan of the Nebraska Huskers. He was a member of the Abu Bekr Shrine Temple, Masonic Lodge, VFW, American Legion, and Morningside Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife, LaVelle Rice of Dakota Dunes; two sons, Brian and wife, Marcia Rice of Maplewood, Minn., and Barry Rice of Thailand; two daughters, Dr. Connie and husband, Ron Phelps of Emporia, Kan., and Cindy McCabe of Sioux City; 10 grandchildren, Abby Phelps, Michael Clausen, Robert Rice, Jessica Wiggins, Nick McCabe, Jenny McCabe, Will McCabe, Eric Rice, Erin Rice, and Amber Kilburn; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy Jess; and a brother, John Rice. Pallbearers will be Michael Clausen, Robert Rice, Nick McCabe, Will McCabe, Eric Rice, and Chase Cleveland. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert's Grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Siouxland.