Kenneth Rice
February 15, 1921 - November 12, 2019
Obituary
Rice, Kenneth Verne Saginaw, Michigan Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at Saginaw Senior Care & Rehab Center. He was 98 years old. Ken was born February 15, 1921 in Elizabeth, New Jersey to the late Elmer Verne and Sophie (Trupo) Rice. He married the love of his life, Lois Wellendorf on April 7, 1950 in Angola, Indiana. Ken graduated from Bad Axe high school in January of 1939 and joined the United States Marine Corps in April of that year. He proudly and courageously served his country during World War II. His plane was shot down over the Philippines and he was captured by the Japanese. Ken was a survivor of the infamous Bataan Death March, as well as the torpedoing and sinking of the Japanese prisoner ship that he was being transported on. While being held captive in Nagasaki, Japan, he was forced to work in the coal mines which shielded him from the blast of the atomic bomb. In 1951 he returned valiantly to the battlefield, serving as a forward air observer on the front lines of the Korean War. Through his honorable and dedicated service to our country, Ken earned the rank of Sergeant Major, retiring from the United States Marine Corps in 1960. On September 18, 2019 the Aleda E. Lutz VA Activities Pavilion was dedicated in honor of Ken. He was employed by the Saginaw County Sheriff Department as a Detective Lieutenant, and was instrumental in the creation of the Sheriff Posse. He retired from the Saginaw County Sheriff Department after 22 years of service. Ken was a faithful and active member of Second Presbyterian Church for many years. He was also a life member of American Legion Post 439, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Elks Club of Tawas, and the Freemasons. Ken loved riding his horse "Chief", with the Saginaw County Sheriff Posse. He also enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, and reading. What Ken really loved most was spending time with his family. Surviving are his wife, Lois; daughter, Pam Erskine; his dear friend Dan Ashcraft; and his extended family. MEMORIAL SERVICE: A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 30, 2019 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter (off State). Chaplain Bill Schaard will officiate. Honoring Ken's wishes, cremation has taken place. Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Marine Corps and the Marine Corps League. VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Saturday, November 30, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Marine Corps League, John C. Rock Detachment, 4730 Hackett Road, Saginaw, MI 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.
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Memories
JW
Jacinda Wackerle
Other •
Jacinda Wackerle lit a candle in memory of Kenneth Verne Rice
KS
Kimberly Sawatzki
Other •
Sgt. Major Rice is a national treasure. He will be missed by many. So many of us were blessed by his presence. He generously shared his story with many-always humble-always kind-a Marine through and through.
He professed to all his great love for his wife and daughter and his gratitude for his lovely family.
Semper Fi Devil Dog-it is with a sad heart that we say good-bye to a most remarkable Marine.
FM
Frank Medel
Other •
Sir it was an honor to meet you! "If the Army and the Navy
ever look on Heaven's scenes; They will find the streets are guarded, By United States Marines." You are one of those Marines. God Bless you Sir and Sempre Fi.
DA
Deborah Allen
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I am more than happy that I had the chance of meeting a "REAL HERO", Sergeant Major Rice was a humble man and never considered himself a hero. He will forever hold a place in my heart.... I did get a chance to see him and say hello to him on Veterans Day, just as he was preparing to have his lunch. ..... thank you Sergeant Major for your sacrifice to our great country, may you rest in heaven sir. Sending condolences to Mrs. Rice as well as your daughter Pam, rest well Sergeant Major Rice.
AH
Alvin & Bonnie Hare
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Lois so sorry to hear about Kens passing. He had a great life . My husband Al was very honored to have met him and do odds jobs for both of you when we lived in the park. Our thoughts and prayers of with you and Pam. Alvin & Bonnie Hare of Midway Ga.
DW
Denise Walworth
Other •
Ken was a true hero with a heart of gold and I'm honored to of been part of his extended family. Soar high with the Angels Grandpa Ken, I'll see you on the other side. Lois and Pam, my thoughts and prayers are with you.