Norman Lane Rice

Norman Lane Rice of Rockford, Illinois died on May 10, 2022, at the Wesley Willows Health Care Unit. He was born February 1, 1932, in Des Moines, IA to Mondell and Gwendolyn (Carver) Rice. Married to Alice Montgomery November 21, 1956, in Esmond, IL. Norman grew up in Collins, IA and graduated from lowa State University in 1954 with a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Received a Graduate Engineering Certificate from the University of Illinois in 1967. Worked at various engineering positions at Barber Coleman, Sundstrand and Rockford Power Train before retiring from Borg Warner. He was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers since 1960. Served ten years on the Board of Trusties of the Talcott Free Library in Rockton IL. Volunteered at Beloit Hospital for 25 years and served on the Auxiliary Board.
Member of the Old Stone Church, Rockton, IL. from 1974 to 2011. Served on many boards and sang in the choir. Moving to Wesley Willows Retirement Community in 2011. Attended the Aldersgate UMC in Rockford. Volunteered many hours making wooden cars for Christmas. Travelled in and out of the states for many years with Alice. They were snowbirds for many years in the Clerbrook RV resort in Clermont FL
He is survived by his wife Alice, Daughter Carol and her husband Ruben Alvarez of Ocala, FL. Son Steven and his wife Jennifer of Jacksonville FL. Grandsons Steven K, Spencer and Connor Rice in Florida and David Alvarez, IL. Great grandson Hunter. Two brothers: Robert (Janet) Rice, Surfside Beach, SC and Dr. Richard (Carol) Rice, Middleton, Wis. and sister Mary (Jerry) Droll of Clarence, IA., and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on May 21, 2022, at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church 4055 N Rockton Ave, Rockford IL 61103. There will be a Gathering from 2-4 pm and then there will be a short Memorial service at 4 pm. Burial in Evergreen Cemetery in Edmond, IL at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Aldersgate UMC Toy Car Project or the Wesley Willows Foundations.. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Home and Crematory in Rockford, IL. Share online condolences and memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.