Charles E. Rice

Charles E. Rice

June 24, 1919 – March 3, 2015

SOUTH BEND – Charles E. Rice, 95, residing in South Bend, passed away at 6:30 PM Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at his home.  Charles was born on June 24, 1919 in Frankfort, Kentucky to the late Charles Walter Rice and Lacy (Fortner) Rice, and has been a lifelong resident of the South Bend area, graduating from Riley High School.

On April 26, 1942 in South Bend, he was married to Dolores E. (Miller) Rice, who preceded him in death on August 5, 2000.  On March 13, 2004 he married Elaine (Hartman) De Mann Rice, who survives.  Charles proudly served our country in the United States Army, was a World War II Veteran and a member of the American Legion.  He worked as a Die Maker for American Steel Rule Die, working there for 43 years before his retirement. 

Charles is survived by his wife, Elaine Rice of South Bend; step-daughters, Peggy A. Hertel of South Bend and Linda K. (Richard) Reed of Conway, AR; son, Richard A. (Teresa) Rice of Richmond, VA; step-sons, Ronald A. (Maralee) Hertel and Richard B. Hertel, both of South Bend; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Rice of Ottawa, IL; five grandchildren, Jo Ann (Eric) Cattell, Richard (Wyndy) Rice, Bradley (Janny) Rice, Daniel Rice, Amy Rice; seven step-grandchildren, Rebecca (Jeff) Rogalski, Matthew Reed, Jonathan (Stacey) Reed, Jennifer (Nathan) Johnston, Brian (Carrie) Hertel, Adam Hertel, Maggie Hertel; six great-grandchildren; ten step-great-grandchildren; two step-great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Agnes Rice of Flintville, KY; brother-in-law, Lee (Lois) Hartman of Wakarusa; and sister-in-law, Jannet Fink of Albuquerque, NM.

Along with his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his son, Charles “Chuck” Rice; three sisters, Wilma Louise Freeland, Hazel Mae Bowyer, Thelma Irene Ward; half-brother, Robert Carl Rice; grandchildren, Scott Rice and Robert Rice; and two great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, March 7, 2015 at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice Foundation, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.  Palmer Funeral Home – River Park Chapel and Southlawn Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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