Obituary of Kenneth Verne Rice

Rice, Kenneth Verne Saginaw, Michigan Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at Saginaw Senior Care & Rehab Center. He was 98 years old. Ken was born February 15, 1921 in Elizabeth, New Jersey to the late Elmer Verne and Sophie (Trupo) Rice. He married the love of his life, Lois Wellendorf on April 7, 1950 in Angola, Indiana. Ken graduated from Bad Axe high school in January of 1939 and joined the United States Marine Corps in April of that year. He proudly and courageously served his country during World War II. His plane was shot down over the Philippines and he was captured by the Japanese. Ken was a survivor of the infamous Bataan Death March, as well as the torpedoing and sinking of the Japanese prisoner ship that he was being transported on. While being held captive in Nagasaki, Japan, he was forced to work in the coal mines which shielded him from the blast of the atomic bomb. In 1951 he returned valiantly to the battlefield, serving as a forward air observer on the front lines of the Korean War. Through his honorable and dedicated service to our country, Ken earned the rank of Sergeant Major, retiring from the United States Marine Corps in 1960. On September 18, 2019 the Aleda E. Lutz VA Activities Pavilion was dedicated in honor of Ken. He was employed by the Saginaw County Sheriff Department as a Detective Lieutenant, and was instrumental in the creation of the Sheriff Posse. He retired from the Saginaw County Sheriff Department after 22 years of service. Ken was a faithful and active member of Second Presbyterian Church for many years. He was also a life member of American Legion Post 439, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Elks Club of Tawas, and the Freemasons. Ken loved riding his horse "Chief", with the Saginaw County Sheriff Posse. He also enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, and reading. What Ken really loved most was spending time with his family. Surviving are his wife, Lois; daughter, Pam Erskine; his dear friend Dan Ashcraft; and his extended family. MEMORIAL SERVICE: A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 30, 2019 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter (off State). Chaplain Bill Schaard will officiate. Honoring Ken's wishes, cremation has taken place. Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Marine Corps and the Marine Corps League. VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Saturday, November 30, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Marine Corps League, John C. Rock Detachment, 4730 Hackett Road, Saginaw, MI 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.