Gerald "Jerry" Rice

Gerald “Jerry” John Rice, age 81, of Bourbonnais, peacefully passed away the morning of Sunday, December 17, 2023. He was born in Kankakee on September 11, 1942, the son of Merwin and Janet (Mann) Rice. On September 11, 1993, he married Marilyn Bergman at St. Mary’s Chapel in Kankakee. Jerry worked as a railroad locomotive engineer for many years and was a part time farmer for 32 years. He also served on the Rockville Township Road Commissioner. He was a handyman; he enjoyed working outside in the shed, farming, and tractors. One of his passions in life was traveling the world, especially with his wife. They enjoyed Napa Valley, Vegas, and their favorite, New Orleans. Above all, he was a loving family man and loved spending quality time with his family and loved ones. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Marilyn Rice; two sons, Christopher (Lexi) Rice and Eric (Darla) Rice; stepchildren, Ronda Emory, Michelle Kyle, and Tanya (Brad) Conover; five siblings, James (Judi) Rice, Barbara Joanne Moran, Judy Harshbarger, Janice (Wayne) Blanchette, and Kathy (Dean) Haas; grandchildren, Derek Rice, Taylor Rice, Ryne Gross, Clayton Emory, Trace Conover, and Kayle Conover; two great-grandchildren, Ashland Gross and Beckett Gross; nephews, BJ (Lynnae) Uedelhofen and Richard (Sandy) Moran; and one great nephew, Logan Uedelhofen. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Rice; and his parents. Visitation for Gerald will be held at Brown-Jensen Funeral Home in Manteno on Thursday, December 21, 2023, from 1:00PM until the memorial service at 4:00PM. Burial will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.