Richard Rice

Private family services for Richard J. Rice will be held in the spring.


Richard passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at St. Luke’s Nursing Home in Dickinson.


Richard J. Rice was born on January 21, 1930, in Emerson, ND, the son of Tony and Rose (Frank) Rice.  Growing up, he attended school in Emerson through the eighth grade.  Richard was drafted in the US Army, serving from 1951 to 1953.   After his honorable discharge, Richard returned to North Dakota.  It was during this time that he met Leona Billman at a dance in South Heart. The couple was united in marriage on June 30, 1955 in the Gaylord Church in rural South Heart.  They were blessed with two children; Sandra and Kenneth.


Richard was a meat cutter for 50 years, filling the freezers of many satisfied friends. He worked for a packing plant until opening up the Belfield Locker Plant which he owned and operated for 25 years.


Richard enjoyed anything outdoors; camping, fishing and hunting just to name a few. He was a past member of the German Hungarian Club, American Legion, St. Pius Verien, Eagles and the St. Anthony’s Club.


Richard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Leona; daughter, Sandi (Randy) Goetz of Dickinson; son, Ken (Gayanel) Rice of New Richmond, WI; three grandchildren, Ryan (Summer) Goetz, Bethani (Mykel) Salazar, and Olivia Rice; five great-grandchildren, Dallys, Taya, Gwendelyn, Micah, Benjamin; and brother, Herb (Marlene) Rice of Dickinson.


He is preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Rose Rice; sisters; Dorothy Rice and Marjorie Farmer.


Burial Date: February 23, 2019
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Private family services will be held later this spring