Michael "Mike" Rice

Michael “Mike” D. Rice, age 78, passed away on August 4, 2026 at his home in Madison, WI. He was born on May 28, 1948 in Richland Center, WI to parents, Gerald and Rachel (Joyce) Rice.

Mike graduated from Ithaca High School in 1966 and attended MATC to obtain his Real Estate and Broker license. In 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army. He was a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Air Medal recipient and was honorably discharged in 1970. Mike married Sharline Spurley on October 20, 1973. He dedicated 38 years to his work at Oscar Mayer Manufacturing, holding a union position for 20 of those years, retiring as Union President.

Mike loved playing softball, coaching little league baseball, deer hunting, fishing, golfing, and gambling. He especially enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and Biloxi, Mississippi.

Mike will be dearly missed and always remembered as a loving father, grandpa, brother and proud veteran.

He is survived by his sons, Brad (Dana) Rice and Jim (Doris) Wade; grandchildren, Josh (Beth), Jenna, Amanda (Zach), Mitchell (Kelsey), Austin, Brandon (Haley); 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great great grandson. He is also survived by siblings, Diane Anderson, Donna Holz, Tom, Pat (Carol), Mary (Steve)Dana, Dan (Sandy), John (Rita); and numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sharline, and siblings, Bill, Richard, Jerry (Jan), Maureen (Tom) Mooney, and Teresa.

The family would like to extend a thank you to Mike’s caregivers, Elana and Addie, his VA Care team and to Agrace Hospice, along with a special thanks to his grandkids for helping to care for him.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 14, 2026 at Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center, 6728 Mader Dr., Madison, WI. A visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday and for one hour prior to the service, from 10:00-11:00 a.m., Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison, WI.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

To view his obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.