Winston "Win" Rice

As those who knew Winston Rice can attest, there was nothing that made him happier than spending time with the family he viewed as a priceless gift. With the love of his life by his side for nearly 70 years, he watched his family tree grow to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were his greatest source of pride and joy. Win was a vital part of the community he called home throughout much of his life not only as a fair and honest businessman, but also as a kindhearted and generous man who didn’t have an unkind bone in his body. Win leaves behind a legacy in good old fashioned hard work, true patriotism, and unconditional love that provides us all with much to aspire for.

Nearly a century has passed since our nation dealt with issues such as unsafe working conditions, growing struggles with poverty and immigration, and monopolies that were commonplace in cities all across America. The decade of the 1910s saw the one-millionth Model T roll off the assembly line and the first taxicab ride as well as the success of the telephone with Alexander Graham Bell’s call to his assistant, Mr. Watson. It was also during this time that a young family from Kingsley, Iowa, was preparing for the birth of their baby. Winston made his arrival on June 9, 1916, and was welcomed into the arms of his parents, Roy and Anna Rice. He was one of three children in his family including his sister, Avis, and his brother, Blaine. The Rice family seized the opportunity to purchase a farm in Del Rapids, South Dakota during Win’s formative years. The farm was a family affair and at times Win was responsible for herding 2000 sheep. As the Great Depression strangled our nation throughout the thirties, the agricultural industry was crippled, and this was a truth the Rice family knew all too well. When they lost their farm during this time, they moved to Michigan when Win was 16. To help support his family, he worked at Humphrey Products in Kalamazoo and then at General Gaslight.

The early forties witnessed the ever-expanding hostilities of WWII encompass more and more of Europe and with the vicious attack on Pearl Harbor, our nation was no longer able to remain neutral in December of 1941. Win was one of the countless young men who was drafted, and he proudly served in the Army from 1941 through much of 1945.

Not to be forgotten during this time was Win’s introduction to the young woman with whom he would share the best years of his life. Her name was Charlotte Stuck and they met at her high school prom in 1937. The couple dated for a few years during which time she attended nursing school. With a desire to build a life together, Win and Charlotte were united in marriage on October 9, 1941, before Win was sent to Europe.

With his duty to his country fulfilled, Win returned home to Kalamazoo where he went to work at Wilkins & Wheaton Surveyors. The couple purchased a plot of land and built a pre-manufactured home where they raised their two wonderful children, Sue and Mike. Win was a great father who loved spending time with his family. There were memorable vacations spent driving all around the country to see many of the national parks complete with roadside picnics at parks and picnic areas along the way.

Although he would have loved nothing more than to be home with his family, work was certainly a necessary part of Win’s life. In the early fifties he went into business with his brother, Blaine, with whom he co-owned Rice Brothers Service in Vicksburg. When they originally purchased the place it was a Sinclair gas station and when they later moved to a new building, they changed it to a Phillips 66. Win felt there was great reward in treating people with friendliness and warmth as a business owner and as a result, his business flourished. Blaine eventually left the business, but Win continued to own and operate it until he retired in 1981. The business certainly kept him away from home a lot, which was something he always wished he could change, but he was able to walk home from the station to eat three meals a day with his family.

Throughout his life Win enjoyed many different interests. He was a vital part of his community as a member of the Vicksburg Rotary, serving as the group’s president from 1963 to 1964. He was honored to receive the Paul Harris Award in 2002 in recognition of his outstanding contribution in business. After retiring, Win and Charlotte took at least one substantial trip a year including to Alaska, Hawaii, Disneyland, Disney World, and to the Canary Islands. The most memorable trip they took together was the one to Europe where Win was able to show his wife so much of the country that he saw through a much different lens during the war. Win loved driving no matter where he was going, and he also liked being on his John Deere tractor. Eating out was another favorite activity, especially going out for breakfast with his friends. Win went out for dinner at McDonald’s three days a week and on Sundays to Bob Evans for his favorite - biscuits and gravy. He was a man of faith and a longtime member of VIcksburg United Methodist Church.

As Win entered the sunset of his life, he began dealing with various health issues. In 2006 he was no longer able to drive, but he and Charlotte were so thankful for their church family who provided them with transportation to and from the store or appointments when needed. By 2007, his health diminished to the point where Win needed additional medical assistance, and he entered hospice care.

Driven, humorous, and kind are words that come to mind when reflecting on the life of Winston Rice. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who was happiest whenever his family was near. Win will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Winston Rice died on Thursday, August 12, 2011. Win’s family includes his wife, Charlotte; children, Sue (Roger) Lucas and Mike (Carolyn) Rice; grandchildren, Wendy (Doug) Perry, Kim (John) Hayes, Tony (Vickie Mann) Wells, Angie (Paul) Rechlin, Jill (Dave) Partaka, John (Stacia) Lucas, Kathy (Jason) Hopkins; and great-grandchildren, Joshua Benn, Katy Benn, Brooke Perry, Sarah Hayes, Ty Hayes, Austin Wells, Nate Rechlin, Emilee Partaka, Davey Partaka, Lucas Hopkins, Sidney Hopkins and Brody Hopkins. Win was preceded in death by his sister, Avis Neuman and his brother, Blaine Rice. Visit with Win’s family and friends while sharing light refreshments Monday from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home Vicksburg, 409 S. Main (649-1697). Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Vicksburg United Methodist Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory and photo, sign his guestbook, and make a donation in his memory to Vicksburg United Methodist Church or Borgess VNA Hospice.