Henry Rice

Henry Norman Rice, 93, of Rochester, Minnesota, peacefully went home to be with the Lord and join his sweetheart, Dee, on May 31, 2025. He was born on April 16, 1932 to William (Alva) and Vida Rice, in Ravenden Springs, Arkansas. He had two brothers and one sister Gene, Dale and Alta (Bass). Henry and DeIda (Dee) Dial married on August 23, 1952 in Hanford, California just before he entered the army during the Korean War. They were blessed with 68 yrs of marriage and four children: Norman (Valerie) Rice of Hemet, CA, Nelda (Dan) Stroop of Simms, MT, Jim (Sandra) Rice of Rochester, MN and Lisa (Marty) Belong of San Jose, CA. Henry (fondly known as Opa) was also many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Henry was a carpenter, husband, father, grandfather, friend and faithful follower of Jesus. He and his family loved to travel, visiting interesting places around the US and beyond. His pastimes included building, gardening and grilling. His special love of cooking has been passed down through four generations binding his family together. Dee delighted in searching for and collecting unique rocks (sometimes WAY too big) and driftwood from anywhere and everywhere and Henry was always there to make it happen for her. Being active in church and inviting people into their home was a way of life for them. He enjoyed working with his children, grandchildren, and friends teaching his skills, hobbies and crafts. Later in life, Henry and Dee were honored to minister at the Nazarene Well House in Rochester, Minnesota, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to offer Christ centered temporary housing to families coming to the Mayo Clinic for medical treatment. In addition to Henry's work on the remodeling of the Nazarene Well House, Henry and Dee also served as the first hosts (caretakers). Henry spent his last days at Arbor Terrace of Rochester MN where he received loving care from all the staff, especially a fantastic nurse (his granddaughter, Julie).

Family and close friends will attend a military committal service on June 13th, 2025 at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston, MN. The celebration of life will be held June 14th, 2025 at 11 a.m. at LifeBridge Church of the Nazarene.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Nazarene Well House Rochester, MN 55906 (http://nazwellhouse.com).