Eric Rice

In Loving Memory Eric Rice October 6, 1974 - July 8, 2026 A Life Well-Lived, in the Woods and in Faith It is with deep sorrow, but with hearts full of gratitude for a life beautifully lived, that we announce the passing of Eric Rice, who entered into eternal rest on July 8, 2026, at the age of 51. A true Nordeaster to the core where he was born, raised, lived, and died peacefully (in the home he built), at the age of 51. Preceded in death by his grandparents Chet & Doris Rice, Simon & Ida George and Mother In-Law Annette Coombs. At the center of his world was his family. Eric was the deeply devoted husband of his beloved wife, Rochelle, who was his high school sweetheart; their bond was a beautiful, lifelong journey of love and shared dreams both before & during their 26 years of marriage. He was also the fiercely proud and loving father of his daughter, Adriana, who was the absolute light of his life. His dog Gage was his favorite hunting partner and couch cuddler. Eric was a loyal, protective, and irreplaceable brother. He shared a tight-knit, lifelong bond with his older brother, Dennis, and his younger brother, Brian-a brotherhood forged in childhood that only grew stronger with time. He was a wonderful brother-in-law to Caitlin, Samantha, Karl & Jessica, sharing in many happy family gatherings and milestones. He was a beloved son-in-law to Rob and the late Annette, who welcomed him into their family with open arms. To his extended family, he was a tremendous cousin-the kind who could always be counted on for a laugh, a helping hand, or a great story around the table. Eric is also survived by his loving parents, Edward and Darlene Rice, whose love and support shaped the man he became. Eric was a man of profound faith, deep-rooted traditions, and an untamed passion for the great outdoors. To know him was to know a man who was entirely at peace standing in a quiet stream, waiting out a sunrise in a deer stand, or listening intently to the early morning calls of the woods. Devotion to Faith and Lebanese Heritage As devout as he was to the outdoors, Eric's true anchor was his faith and his culture. He was exceptionally proud of his Lebanese heritage, carrying its rich traditions of hospitality, deep family loyalty, and love into everything he did. This heritage was beautifully intertwined with his faith as a deeply dedicated parishioner of the Maronite Catholic Church, where he lived his life with a quiet, steadfast devotion to God, the liturgy, and his parish community. Serving as a Charitable Gambling Manager, together with the organization; he was able to generate and give thousands of dollars back to the Twin-Cities local non-profits on a monthly basis. Helping food shelves, community centers, Senior living communities, places of worship, and other vital organizations in need. As an avid outdoorsman, and conservationist Eric was most at peace in nature. He merged his love of the wild and his talents as an artist to combine the two passions. As a Turkey hunter, he became member of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) on a local level. He later became a chapter President, and served on the State Board for 7 years while also assisting with Call Making Competitions across the US. He also enjoyed volunteering as a guide for Wounded Warrior ability hunts. Eric became a Turkey Call Maker in 2000, and later began competing on a local & national level. As an artist/ pyrographer, his talents and dedication have earned him a number of national trophies and gold medals in several categories. Eric's true masterpiece was his generosity. More important than the awards are the friends he met along the way that he considered family. Driven by a desire to introduce youth to the outdoors, Eric handmade over 1,000 calls that were given for free to kids in MN at the Northwest Sports Show and at the MN Game Fair. He gave willingly of his talents always taking time to burn a turkey track and a name for each one. Because of his contributions, He, along with his wife, daughter, father, and brother earned Diamond Life Sponsorship status with the NWTF, with Eric and Rochelle currently at the Patron Life Sponsor level. His legacy of love, faith, culture, craftsmanship, and adventure will be carried on by a vast community of those who loved him. The Ultimate Teacher, Cook, and Family Man Eric's greatest joy was his family, and he took immense pride in passing down his love for the wild to the next generation. He was a legendary mentor and teacher who spent countless hours out in nature with his beloved daughter, Adriana, alongside his nieces, Chloe, Cecilia, and Tallulah, and his nephews, Caleb, Keegan, Brodey, and Finnian. He cherished every moment teaching them the ways of the woods and waters. Because of Eric, they learned the patience of waiting for ducks in a blind, the stillness required to hunt deer, and the thrill of flushing grouse and pheasants. Whether they were casting lines from a boat in the heat of summer or dropping lines through the ice in the dead of winter, Eric was there-guiding, teaching, and creating unforgettable memories. That same generous spirit extended into the kitchen and around the grill. Eric had a deep passion for cooking and was famous for preparing large cuts of meat for family gatherings. For Eric, cooking was an expression of love and hospitality-a way to bring the people he cherished most together around a table filled with incredible food, laughter, and storytelling. "The Lord is my shepherd... He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul."- Psalm 23:1-3 In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family to help with college and future expenses. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Eric's life and faith. Please wear Eric's favorite color blue in honor of Colon Cancer Awareness Visitation: Mon 7/13 from 4:00-7:00pm at Hillside Cemetery. 2600 19th Ave. NE, Minneapolis 55418. Divine Liturgy (Funeral Mass): 7/14 at 10:00am at St Maron Maronite Catholic Church- 600 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis 55413. Visitation 1 Hour prior (9:00am). Private Burial following. https://www.washburn-mcreavy.com