John O Rice

John Oliver Rice, 69, of Mayville, ND, died Monday, June 23, 2008, at the VA Medical Center in Fargo, ND. John was born on November 19, 1938 in Morgan Township where he grew up. He attended country school and graduated from Mayville High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963. John married Margaret Knudson on March 1, 1969 at Norman Lutheran Church in Clifford, ND. He farmed until 1982; then worked at American Crystal Sugar Co. for 22 years, retiring in 2000. John was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher. He served as treasurer for Morgan Township, Bethany Cemetery Board, and the Gideons. He was also a director for the Buxton Farmers Union Elevator and Luther Memorial Home in Mayville. He was a longtime member of the Traill County Farmers Union. After retirement John joined the Gideons. He volunteered at the Mayville Public Library and was involved with various charity projects. John loved to be out on his farm and enjoyed helping neighbors with their farm work. John is survived by his wife, Margaret; two daughters, Karen and Charlotte; and one son, Eric. He was a proud grandfather to Sarah and Emily (Karen’s daughters). He is also survived by his siblings, Calmer (Verna), David, Brian (Susan), Carolyn (Gilman) Knudson, and Alice. He was preceded in death by father, George, and his mother Ada (Larson). Memorial Prayer Service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Hatton, ND, on Thursday at 7 p.m. Funeral arrangements are with the Baker Funeral Home of Mayville.