Gerald "Dick" R. Rice

Gerald Richard “Dick” Rice, age 84, of West Branch, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 16, 2017, at the Villa at Rose City. Dick was born July 12, 1932 to Gerald Rice and Gladys (Reetz) Thompson in Rose City, Michigan. He married Carolyn (Abbs) on August 17, 1958, in West Branch. After graduating from Rose City High School in 1950, he joined the US Air Force, where he worked in radar communications. Dick then attended Michigan State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. After college, he accepted a job with Western Electric/Bell Labs. His career with AT&T and the Bell System took him and his family to Farmington Hills, Saginaw, Clarkston, Midland, and twice to New Jersey before retiring to West Branch. In retirement, Dick and Carolyn were dedicated MSU Football Fans, holding season tickets for many years. Preparations for their elaborate game day tailgates started mid-week and many were welcomed to join in the festivities. Dick was a member of the Elks Club and was active in Trinity Episcopal Church, serving in multiple positions, always dedicated to helping make things around him better.

Dick is survived by his wife, Carolyn, his daughter, Sandy (Rob) Freund, his grandchildren, Drew, Cliff and Evie of Concord, Massachusetts and his brother, David (Jeannie) Rice of Rose City.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 23, 2017 at the Trinity Episcopal Church in West Branch at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Rev. Brian Chace will officiate. Interment will be at Brookside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church of West Branch or the Rose City High School Scholarship Fund (via the Rose City Lions Club) https://www.paypal.me/DickRiceMemorial

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com