Dale Rice

Passed away peacefully after a short illness Saturday afternoon March 17, 2018 in his home surrounded by family and friends. Dale was born August 1, 1926 in Galesburg, Michigan the son of Harlow and Marian (Meredith) Rice. He was a lifelong resident of Galesburg where he graduated from Galesburg High School in 1944. Dale owned and operated Rice Farms, a popular dairy farm with school tours for many years. Dale was a member of the Michigan Farm Bureau and the Michigan Milk Producers. Dale enjoyed working on the farm with his John Deere tractors and traveling with his devoted wife Mary around the United States on agricultural tours. He was particularly proud of his horses, Betsy, Freckles and Patches. He also enjoyed going to horse sales with friends and riding in the van with Mary and golden retriever Heidi seeing the rural countryside. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; and 3 sisters. Dale is survived by his wife, Mary of 58 years whom he married June 2, 1960. Also surviving, a son, Thomas (Lynette) Rice of Galesburg; a grandson and friend, Randy (Ashton Rasnake) Rice of Galesburg; a sister, Leah Abbott of Hastings, MI. A memorial gathering to celebrate Dale's life will be held 1 o'clock Sunday, June 10th at the family farm after the plowing and planting is finished. Private burial will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo County 4H Program. Please visit Dale's personalized webpage for online guestbook or to leave a condolence. Arrangements were made with the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. www.langelands.com.