Gertrude J. (Paddock) Rice

Gertrude Joan “Joanie” Rice passed away on December 29, 2023 at home surrounded by her beloved family.  She was born January 9, 1940 to Lucille (Wood) and Jennings Paddock in Sparta, Wisconsin, the eldest of 6 siblings.  On October 5, 1956 she married Franklin Delano Roosevelt “Billy” Rice in Colorado Springs, Colorado and welcomed 5 children.  Joanie received her High School Diploma at the age of 50 and her Medical Assistant Certification at 55.  She worked in health care until her retirement in 2016, both in Wisconsin and Arizona.  She returned to Wisconsin in 2020, living the last three years in Oshkosh.  Joanie loved animals, gardening and her many friend-centered activities.

She is survived by her children (Daughter-in-Law) Donna Rice, Emma Jean (Randy) Williams, Lynda Fae (Sean) Murray, Franklin Doyle (Patti) Rice and Robert Allen (Kimberly) Rice; brother Jim (Donna) Paddock, sister Gloria Johnson, sister Audrey (Bob) Warner and sister Velva (Jim) Sass.  She is further survived by 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors whose lives she touched.

Joanie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 41 years; her eldest child, William Melvern “Vern” Rice; her sister Edith, her brother-in-law, Wayne and her nephew David.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Stahl Funeral Home in Plainfield, Wisconsin.  Visitation begins at 1pm with a Service of Remembrance at 3pm.  Committal will be 1pm on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.