Dr. Thomas W. Rice

MARQUETTE — Dr. Thomas W. Rice, age 59, of 615 Brule Road, died Sunday, May 11, 2008, of an apparent heart attack while hunting in Montana. 


Tom was born February 25, 1949, in Detroit, Mich., the son of Clarence and Era (Krahmaleff) Rice. He was a 1966 graduate of Cody High School, attended his pre-med courses at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and graduated in 1973 from the Illinois College of Optometry. He went on to practice optometry for five years in Gaylord, where he met his wife Sharon, whom he wed in Gaylord on January 29, 1977. In May 1979, Dr. Rice moved to Marquette and opened the Optical Center in ShopKo. He was one of the longest-serving optometrists for ShopKo stores, serving almost 29 years.


Tom had a passion for spending time at his camp, hunting, traveling and snowmobiling. An avid woodworker, he kept busy with home improvements. A “collector” of many, he collected gadgets, stamps, coins and many other unique items. He was known to his family as the “family photographer,” always taking photos. Tom loved shopping, always searching for a good sale, trying to receive the best value. A member of First United Methodist Church and United Methodist Men’s Group, Marquette Masonic Lodge #101, Scottish Rite Bodies, Ahmed Temple Shrine and Boy Scouts of America.


Survivors include his wife, Sharon (Flachs) Rice of Marquette; son, Nicholas Rice of Port Orange, Fla.; and daughter, Andrea Rice of Kalamazoo, Mich. Also survived by sisters, Alice (Jack) Brown of Saginaw, Mich., and Catherine Rice of Ann Arbor, Mich.; brothers-in-law, Ronald (Judy) Flachs of Hickory Corners, Mich., Don (Steve) Flachs of Holt, Mich., and James (Cynthia) Flachs of Laingsburg, Mich.; sister-in-law, Carolyn (Mark) Pulice of DeWitt, Mich.; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Era Rice; a sister, Elizabeth Rice; a very special aunt, Alla Brannan; and his mother-in-law, Vena Mae Flachs.


Friends may call at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home on Friday from 4-8 p.m., with a Masonic Service being conducted at 4:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the First United Methodist Church on Saturday at 12 p.m. with the Funeral Service beginning at 1 p.m. at the church with the Rev. Ben Bohnsack officiating.


Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 111 E. Ridge St., Marquette.


Condolences may be expressed at www.fassbenderswanson.com