Gregory “Gregg” E. Rice, 71, Kronenwetter, passed away at home on Sunday, March 26, 2017, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. He was born on July 7, 1945, in Rhinelander, the son of the late Ellis and Thelma (Arnott) Rice. He married Beverly Krueger on Nov. 13, 1981. She survives.
Gregg was baptized and confirmed in the First Congregational Church in Rhinelander, and attended Central School, Rhinelander Jr High, and graduated from Rhinelander Union High School in 1963. In high school Gregg lettered in football and started working at Reeve’s Supermarket during his high school years. He went on to become Assistant Manager at Reeve’s. In 1975, he began making weekly trips to Chicago with his dad whose truck was leased to Rhinelander Paper, while still working at Reeve’s. He chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and began driving truck full time in 1978. Gregg worked at several trucking companies but spent the most time at ITC of Merrill, and finished his career working at River Valley Trucking of Schofield.
During his free time, Gregg loved to take camping vacations in the western states, with his favorite destinations being Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, Custer State Park, SD and Glacier National Park, MT. He cherished this family time together. He especially enjoyed taking any opportunity to be outdoors from meticulous landscaping to many weekend camping trips to Clear and Crystal Lakes in Minocqua/Woodruff area. Gregg and Bev enjoyed their many cruises in the Caribbean, starting with their first cruise that he was awarded by ITC for the “One Million Miles Safe Driving” award.
Survivors, besides his wife of 35 years, Bev, include a son Travis and daughter-in-law Shannon of Philadelphia, his son, by his first marriage, Troy and his daughter-in-law Bonnie of Quincy IL as well by his brother Jaimie; (Kris Mehring) of Rhinelander. He is also survived by his three step children, Joel (Connie) Krueger, Sarah Jablonski and Heather Whiteside, grandchildren Michael, Christopher, Troy Jr, and Josh Rice, step-grandchildren Tyler Schulz, Josh and Jacob Jablonski and Addison Whiteside and four great-grandchildren. Further survived by sisters-in-law Sally (Stanley) Weber, Judy Rice and Linda (Bob) Karau, and brother-in-law Dennis Seehafer. Nephews Steve Rice, Paul Salick and nieces Jenny (Rice) Chaperon, Anne Salick, and Laura Barnett. Also by very close friends Susan Brooks, Butch and Mary Kudla and Brad and Trish Belmas, as well as numerous cousins. He was proceeded in death by his sister Shirley Salick, brother-in-law, Tom Salick, and sister-in-law, Carol Seehafer.
Services will be at 11:00 am, Thursday, March 30th, 2017, at Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee. The Rev. Mark Lewis will officiate. Burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until time of services all at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.bestefh.com
Memorials in Gregg’s name may be directed to the family.