Jeffory H. Rice, 66, of Brookings, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at his home in Brookings.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday April 29, 2019, at Ascension Lutheran Church, in Brookings. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Brookings Regional Humane Society.
Jeffory H. Rice was born on July 14, 1952 in Pipestone, MN, to his parents, James ‘Jiggs’ and Beverly (Ellefson) Rice. He grew up on his family’s farm near Ward. He attended Ward Country School through the eighth grade and went on to Flandreau High School, graduating in 1970.
In 1971 he married Gail Doyle and had three children. They farmed by Ward before moving to Brookings in 1978. He started working for Bob Larkin Construction before venturing off on his own.
Jeff was a master carpenter and took much pride in his work. He and his son created Rice Construction ,which he continued doing until his retirement.
On Jan.18, 1986, he married Lori Johnson – together creating many wonderful memories.
Jeff’s passions were collecting gas and oil antiques, road trips, history of any type, and spending time with his family, including his four-legged family.
Jeff was survived by his wife, Lori, of Brookings; his children, Melanie Rosa, of Sioux Falls, Joseph (Stacy) Rice of Brookings and Beth Rice (fiancé, John Mathison) of Pierre; eight grandchildren, Kane Rosa (fiancé, Julissa), Reyna, Elana Rice, Jeffory Rice, Brock Christie, Brandon R, Justice VanDyke, Mary VanDyke and Lisa VanDyke; great granddaughter, Khloe Rosa; two brothers, Mike (Jeani) Rice of Webster, and Tim (Robin) Rice of Brookings, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James ‘Jiggs’ and Beverly Rice, sister-in-law, Dorothy Van Hoorn and special aunt and uncle, Rita and Daryl Relf.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
