John Thomas Rice, 82, of Burlington, died Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born Aug. 14, 1942, in Burlington, he was the son of Verne and Elsie Belle Miller Rice.
John grew up in Oak Park, Ill. where he graduated high school. In 1960 he came to Iowa for college and remained for 62 years. He graduated from Parsons College in 1965 and earned his Master's Degree from Western Illinois University in 1975. John loved growing up in the Chicago area but said many times how glad he was to become an Iowa Boy.
John's first teaching job was at Washington School followed by 32 years at Oak Street Middle School. On July 10, 1971 John married Linda Lee Wittkamp, who was teacher at Blackhawk Elementary School and from their union they were blessed with three children.
He was of the Christian Faith. John enjoyed his boat trips in Minnesota at his summer cabin, going out to his Fairfield farm and traveling to different states and Canadian provinces. He also had many hobbies including collecting, stamps, coins, badges, patches and was a cars enthusiast. He also enjoyed listening to the police scanner.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Linda Rice of Burlington; three children, Greg (Juliea) Rice of Aledo, Ill., Brandon (Eden) Rice of Burlington, and Melissa (Cameron) Capps of Burlington; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The funeral service for Mr. Rice will be 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.