Jon W. Rice

Jon W. Rice, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the age of 80. He was born on August 17, 1943, the son of William and Ruby (Birkey) Rice.

Jon's journey began on a dairy farm in St. Johns, where he spent his formative years, cultivating a deep appreciation for hard work and the simple joys of life. He graduated from St. Johns High School, a member of the Class of 1961. Jon was a proud veteran of the US Army, serving during the Vietnam War. In 1983, Jon married the love of his life, Lorraine R. Gould, with whom he shared countless adventures and unwavering companionship. Together, they raised their daughter, Jodi and built a life filled with love and laughter together. Jon dedicated many years of service as an auditor with the State of Michigan Department of Treasury before his retirement. In his leisure time, he found joy in golfing, deer hunting, boating, and riding motorbikes. A licensed private pilot- Jon took to the skies with a sense of wonder and awe, finding beauty in the boundless expanse above. His love for aviation extended to remote-controlled airplanes, where he found satisfaction in mastering the skies from the ground below. Jon left a lasting impact on all those he encountered. He will be missed by many.

Preceding Jon in death are his parents and brother, Douglas Rice. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lorraine Rice; daughter, Jodi (Michael) Towler; grandchildren, Audrey (Jacob) Single, Andrew Towler, and Paul Towler; sister-in-law, Virginia Hein; and nephews, David (Nellie) Rice, Jeff (Ruth) Rice, Calvin (Sue) Rice, and Graham (Gina) Rice.

A special thank you is given to the staff at the Portland Assisted Living and Memory Center for the care and compassion they showed Jon during his time there.

The Funeral Service honoring Jon will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 3, 2024 at South Church, 5250 Cornerstone Drive, Lansing. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects beginning one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns. For those wishing, contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in honor of Jon (www.t2t.org). Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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