Donald M. Rice

Donald M. Rice, 90, Grand Forks, died Wednesday, September 13, 2023 in Valley Senior Living on 42nd St., Grand Forks.

Donald Mahlon Rice, the son of Willard and Ella Mae (Sawdey) Rice was born on September 8, 1933 at Staples, Minnesota.  Don grew up  and moved with his family to many places in Minnesota and other locations before coming to Grand Forks.  He attended Central High School in Grand Forks.  Donald married Darlene (Buerth) on April 19, 1953 in Grand Forks.  Just two days later Don was called into active service with the Army which meant a move to Washington, D.C..   Upon discharge from the military, he returned to Grand Forks where he was first employed by Cox Bakery in Grand Forks and also in Devils Lake.  He worked on railroad track repairs in the summertime.  Next Don was employed by L & T Drugstore in downtown Grand Forks where he sold cameras.  He later became the manager of Young Drug.  After his time at Young Drug he managed Don’s Camera.  He was employed for 18 years as a janitor at United Lutheran Church and finished his career as a janitor at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks.  

Don enjoyed model trains, photography, riding bike, gardening, yard care and making donuts.  He remodeled every home that they lived in.

Don is survived by his wife, Darlene, Grand Forks;  his three daughters, Debralee Muir (Robert), Golden Valley, MN, DeAnn Phelps (Robert), of Grand Forks, and Dawn Marquart (Karl), Grand Forks;  7 grandchildren, Steven (Stephanie), Amber (Matthew), Callie (Jeff), Kevin (Brittany), Christopher (Michele), Breyanne (Derick), Jake (Alexis);  17 great grandchildren.  A niece, Suzanne Rice;  a nephew, Steve Rice (Bev).

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Russell, and James; a granddaughter, Laila; and a nephew, Jeff Rice. 

Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 16, 2023 in University Lutheran Church, 2122 University Ave., Grand Forks.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service in the church.  Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks is in charge of arrangements. www.amundsonfuneralhome.com