LeRoy W. Rice, age 84, passed away on April 25, 2015 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services. LeRoy was born in Gleason to Irvin and Bertha (Graunke) Rice on May 9, 1930. He attended school in Gleason, WI. LeRoy married Phyllis Hoffman on March 17, 1951 in Gleason, WI. She survives. He then served in the United States Army as a Commander during the years of 1951-1953, during the Korean War. LeRoy was a dedicated lifetime member of the VFW Post #1638 in Merrill. He worked as the maintenance supervisor at both Marathon Electric for 17 years and Semco for 15 years. LeRoy was a “jack of all trades” and was able to fix anything and everything. He enjoyed re-building motors and spending time tinkering in his shop. He was a very talented man, as he was able to help family and friends with anything that needed repairing. LeRoy enjoyed woodworking and crafts, especially building wooden birdhouses, birdfeeders and potato boxes for his family. When LeRoy was not in his shop working, you could find him out in the woods deer hunting or enjoying a nice day on the water fishing. LeRoy, Phyllis and the kids would spend a lot of family time camping over the years, and enjoyed going to the Indian Shores. He would even get in some water-skiing when he was able. LeRoy and Phyllis were “Snow Birds” and spent 8 years in Florida during the cold months. They would travel all over the state of Florida. They also enjoyed traveling to Nashville, TN. LeRoy loved his family and really loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. After retirement, LeRoy enjoyed working at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. He will be sadly missed.
LeRoy is survived by his wife, Phyllis Rice of Merrill; his children; daughter, Cheryl (Richard) Coyer of Merrill; son, Dennis (Janella) Rice of Merrill; daughter, Patsy (Gary) Baguhn of Tomahawk; son, David (Kay) Rice of Merrill; daughter, Mary Kay (Steve) Lezotte of Merrill and DuWayne (Jenine) Rice of Merrill; 11 grandchildren; Tera (Todd) Neiter of Wausau; Carmen (Brett) Klug of Merrill; Nicole Rice of Merrill, Troy Baguhn of MN; Tricia (Russell) Maas of Gleason; Lora Bladow of Merrill; Ashley (Jeff) Weber of Merrill, Tyler Lezotte of Merrill; Tasha (Vincent) Donat of Birnamwood; Amber Rice of Merrill and Devin Rice of Merrill; 2 step grandchildren; Steven (Amber) Athanasiou of Medford and Matthew Athanasiou of Chicago,IL; 8 great grandchildren; Logan, Mason, Kayle, Lacey, Chaz, Emilee, Taylor “Peanut”, Gage and Avree; 1 great-great granddaughter, Emma and 1 great-great grandson, Jaxson, who is to be born within a couple months.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, William Rice and Gerald Rice and 1 granddaughter, Phyllis Jo Rice.
Funeral services for LeRoy will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, April 29 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4-8PM on Tuesday, April 28 at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill, and again on Wednesday, April 29 at 10AM until the time of the service, at the church. Burial will take place at Merrill Memorial Park following the service, where military honors will be performed by the Merrill VFW Post # 1638.
Donations may be given in LeRoy’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church or the VFW Post #1638 in Merrill.
Waid Funeral Home in Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.waidfuneral.com.