RoDean Rice

RoDean J. Rice, 73, of Silvis, passed away Thursday, March 10, 2016, at UnityPoint Health-Trinity Rock Island. A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Homewood Evangelical Free Church in Moline. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the church. A memorial fund will be established. Cremation rites have been accorded. Schroder Mortuary in Silvis is assisting the family. RoDean was born April 20, 1942, in Royal, Neb. He married Beverly Jo Wilson on April 13, 1965, in Yankton, S.D. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2015. RoDean worked for John Deere as a punch press operator in 1965 and retired after 31 years, continuing on with Davenport Metals for another 12 years. He proudly accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and demonstrated his faith by countless hours of volunteering at Homewood Evangelical Free Church in Moline in various ministries including AWANA, MOPS and Operations Team, where most sunny Wednesdays he could be found on one of the church's tractors mowing grounds and in the kitchen cooking one of his many anticipated meals. RoDean was an avid fisherman who loved his northern Minnesota fishing trips with friends from church as much as taking his grandchildren fishing at local parks. Survivors include his wife, Beverly; children, David, Lori and Jeffrey (Amber) Rice; brothers, Robert (Louise) Pick, Ogallala, Neb., Michael (Cindy) Rice and sister, Nadine (Lyle) Dredge, both of Neleigh, Neb.; seven grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. RoDean was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sandra Rice; sisters, Lavonne and Jolene; and brothers, James and Richard.