Obituary
Curtis John Rice Sr.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Curtis John Rice Sr., born November 6, 1936, to Wesley and Florence Rice in Bessemer, MI. Curt passed away on April 5, 2025, at the age of 88 at the Onalaska Care Center.
Curtis’s life was one of remarkable experiences, filled with many meaningful chapters. Curt attended Wakefield High School and graduated in upper Michigan. After Highschool, he proudly served in the United States Navy for eight years, stationed in Japan aboard the USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) and the USS General J. C. Breckinridge. His military service was a source of great pride, and he carried the lessons of discipline, loyalty, and honor throughout his life. Curt loved sharing stories from his time in the Navy with family and friends. In his later years, he was honored with attending the Freedom Honor flight out of the La Crosse airport and as he would call it; an experience he would never forget.
After his service, he worked for United Airlines in San Francisco as a ground traffic controller for 14 years. Later, he continued his career with The Trane Company and La Crosse Cooler before finishing his working years at Menards, retiring in his early 80s.
In addition to his military and career achievements, Curtis was a devoted family man. He cherished his role as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family was the heart of his life, and he found immeasurable joy in spending time with them. His love for his family was endless, and his gentle, caring nature will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Curtis was united in marriage to Joyce Rice on January 11, 1967, in Reno, Nevada, and together they shared 58 years of love and companionship. In his spare time, Curt enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and tending to his yard. He will always be remembered for his wisdom, kindness, laughter, and sense of humor that could light up any room.
Curt is survived by his wife, Joyce Rice; daughter, Cheryl Rice; son, Curtis Rice Jr. (Robin Rice); grandchildren, Wylee Rice (significant other, Rachael Totzke), Matthew Safin, Mindy Jacobson (Isaac Jacobson), Megan Rochester; great-grandchildren, Oliver and Elliot Saley; and dog, Missy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Wesley Rice; brothers, Donald (Gweneth) Rice and Dennis Rice; mother-in-law, Freda Gerry; grandchild, Joshua Rice; and several aunts and uncles.
As per Curt’s wishes, a private family celebration of his life will be held, and he will be cremated by Coulee Cremation. Please visit CouleeCremation.com to send condolences to the family.
Robin and Curt
So sorry to hear of your Fathers Passing! Keep his memories close!
Joyce, Curt and family. So sorry for your loss. Curt was a great neighbor. He always had smile and wave for me.
Our deep sympathy to All of Curt’s loves. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend. He will be missed. Hoping his memory gives comfort.
Mike and Deb Faust
Deep regret this is so delayed, (Tribune)
Love you Megan. Praying for peace and understanding for you and your family during this time.
Thank you so much, Ebony.
I knew your Dad from his Cooler Company days. He was traffic manager those days. Then when he worked at Menards in Lax. Always good for a laugh.
Our sympathy.
Mike & Nell.
My sympathy Curt, Robyn and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
You were a very good man all your life. I take pride in knowing that I considered you as a friend. You lived a good life and now you’ll be rewarded in heaven.
To The Rice family,
I just heard this morning of Curt.s passing, my heartfelt condolences to you.
Curt/Joyce have been long time neighbors, Curt would always wave and smile when I passed by. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace Curt
I just heard and my condolences to Curtis’s family.
I worked with Curtis during the 1980’s at Menards and always enjoyed our conversations and the laughter I recall one particular time he set me up with a customer for a very hilarious outcome.
Curtis was a great man