William "Bill" Rice

William “Bill” Alan Rice, age 64, of Stacy (formerly North Branch), Minnesota, died peacefully surrounded by his wife and 3 children on Thursday, January 2nd, 2020 following a sudden illness that struck him the day after his 64th birthday.

Bill was born in St Paul, MN on Dec 13, 1955 to Edwin & Marian Rice. He was the 4th child and born to older parents. He grew up in North St Paul, MN. He loved being included in his older sister's family activities, vacations and holidays while growing up. He tried many sports as a child, and broke many bones in the process! He graduated in 1974 from North High School, in North St Paul.

Bill actually met his wife, Carol, through his nieces. They met at a young age and were married in 1975. They faced the challenges of being a young couple with a baby, together. They were not too proud to ask for help, and with hard work and grateful hearts, made a nice life for themselves and their three children.

Bill worked in the industrial sales business for most of his adult life; first with Wheeler Tank (St Paul, MN and Sioux Falls, SD) and then moved to Arrow Tank & Engineering (Cambridge, MN) in 1992 and spent the last 28 years with them.

The Rice family made many wonderful friends in their early years and are still close with many of them to this day. Other than these nurturing friendships, Bill enjoyed camping, barbecuing, and spending time with his family.

They were young parents, so they also ended up as empty-nesters at a fairly young age as well. Bill took up coaching youth hockey in his spare time and Carol loved accompanying him to games.

Bill & Carol were very proud grandparents, with grandchildren in Seattle, WA; Crystal, MN and St Paul, MN. They loved traveling to Seattle to spend time with the Josh, Jami & Family. They would often take Jennell & John’s kids for the weekend at their home. Their youngest grandchild, Caroline, was born just last year.

Bill took pride in taking care of his family and was always the first to say, “I Love You!” to his family and friends. We will miss hearing those words the most, but know his love lives on in us.

Preceded in death by parents, Edwin and Marian (Davenport) Rice;

Siblings, Marlene (Lewbert) Nording and Barb (Jack) Melstrom:

In-laws, David Evenson, Dorothy (Emmett) Davis;

Brother-in-law, Timothy Evenson.

Survived by loving wife of 44 years, Carol;

Children, Josh (Jami) Rice, Jennell (John) Magnuson, Jarynn (Marcus) Coker;

Grandchildren: Ali, Mia, Declan & Austen Rice; Will & Ellie Magnuson; Caroline Coker

Sister, Geri (Rod) Zoya and countless nieces, nephews and life-long friends.

A Celebration of his life will be held at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at Mattson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 343 N. Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN 55025.  Family will greet friends from 4:00 pm until time of service at 6:30.