John Frederick Rice, 77, of Lodi, passed away Monday, February 11, 2013, at Hospice of Medina County. He was born March 6, 1935, in Lodi, to John E. and Helen (McClain) Rice.
He was a 1953 graduate of Lodi High School and later entered the U.S. Navy in 1955, serving aboard the USS Thor. He was former co-owner of Lodi Lumber Co., retiring in 1999 and owned and operated Fred’s Storage in Lodi for the past 20 years.
He was a member of the Harrisville Lodge #137 F & AM, Tadmor Temple Shrine, Lodi First Congregational Church, Lodi American Legion Post #523, former member of the Lodi Village Council, served 38 years on the Lodi Fire Dept. and was former chief of the department.
He is survived by his wife, Karen (nee Oller), to whom he married on April 27, 1963; daughter, Linda (Bob) Harley of Lodi; son, John (Marcy) Rice of Carmel, Indiana; four grandchildren,Tyler, Kendall, Noah and Averie; and sister, Joanne Grimm of Lodi.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Martha and Barbara; and granddaughter, Faith Rice.
Funeral service will be Friday, February 15, 2013, 11 A.M., at the Parker & Son Funeral Home, 210 Medina St., Lodi. Reverend David Dake, of Lodi, will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, February 14, 2013, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 P.M., at the funeral home, with Masonic Service at 8:45 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lodi First Congregational Church, 114 Church St., Lodi, OH 44254 or Hospice of Medina County 5075 Windfall Rd., Medina, OH 4425.
Online tributes may be shared at www.parkerfuneralhomes.com