Franklin Rice

Franklin Rice age 79 of Belle Fourche, died Monday September 3rd 2012 at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center in Sturgis. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Friday September 7th, 2012 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Belle Fourche, with Monsignor Michael Woster officiating. Visitation will be held 4 pm to 6pm Thursday, at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, followed by a 7pm Vigil Service at the church. Interment will take place in Black Hills National Cemetery, with Military Honors provided by the Belle Fourche Veterans Honor Guard. Franklin Clair Rice was born March 22, 1933 in Belvidere, South Dakota. He was the son of Elmer and Sophie (Konitsko) Rice. Franklin grew up in Belvidere, and was a graduate of the Belvidere High School. During the Korean War, Franklin served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956. During his military career, he served as a Military Policeman, guarding the President and nuclear bomb facilities. On June 16, 1960 Franklin was united in marriage to Alyce Bork, in Belvidere. To this union 4 children were born: Matthew, Kevin, Brenda, and Marcie. Following their marriage, Franklin worked as a heavy equipment operator. In 1945, the family settled in Belle Fourche. For more than 20 year, Franklin worked at American Colloid. He retired in 1995. Franklin also worked for Hills Materials, and following his retirement he worked for Watson’s Construction. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and working with his flowers at home. He also worked hard collecting aluminum cans and recycling them. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and his love for his family. He will be greatly missed. Franklin is survived by his wife Alyce of Belle Fourche, 2 sons, Matthew (Sue) of Salt Lake City Utah, Kevin (Becky) of Greensboro NC, 2 daughters, Brenda (John Paul) Grusing of Belle Fourche, Marcie Miller of Rapid City, 16 grandchildren;10 great grandchildren; and aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Glendy Rice. Date of Birth March 22, 1933 – Belvidere, South Dakota Date of Death September 3, 2012 – Sturgis, South Dakota Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 A.M. – Friday – September 7th, 2012 St. Paul’s Catholic Church Belle Fourche, South Dakota Celebrant – Monsignor Michael Woster Music “Shepherd Me O God”, “Old Rugged Cross”, “O Sacrament Most Holy” Janet Higbee, pianist Patti Schladweiler , Cantor  Casketbearers Terry Byrd                                                                 Adam Rice Troy Green                                                               Bobby Rice Lyle LaCroix                                                      Chuck Snoozy Interment Black Hills National Cemetery Sturgis, South Dakota Military Honors by Belle Fourche Veterans Honor Guard