Alden F. (Bud) Rice, age 91, died at the Garfield County Nursing Home in Jordan on June 6, 2015.
Bud was born on December 20, 1923 in Fargo, MN. He was adopted by Charles and Bernice Rice and attended elementary school near Dent, MN. After completing the 8th grade he moved to California to live with his mother Regina Logas. He attended Junior High at Thomas Star King and Senior High at John Marshall in Los Angeles, CA. In April of 1942 he boarded a freight train with his brother Ralph in Minnesota and went to Miles City, MT. They were both broke and hungry and went to the bar looking for work. Ralph got a job in the Dairy and Bud was hired by Joe MacDonald and came to Jordan to herd sheep for him. He also worked for Dave Garber during this time.
Bud Enlisted in the Army in January of 1943. He went to Basic Training in Nevada; Missouri then entered Medical school where he trained at Fritzsimons Hospital in Denver, CO, DeWitt General in Auburn, CA, and Vancouver, WA. After this training he went back to the base in Missouri and joined a surgical team. They were then sent to the island of Saipan in the Mariana Islands in late 1944 to work at the 369th Station Hospital. He was in charge of all the enlisted personnel in the Operating Room. It would bring tears to his eyes when he would talk about the horrific conditions doing surgery in make-shift tents in the hot humid climate. While serving his duty there he was wounded by shrapnel and received a purple heart. When the war ended, his job was considered essential and he would have had to stay in Saipan for a longer time. He did not want to do this so he reenlisted for the opportunity to transfer to Germany. After serving 4 years in Germany he was honorably discharged on June 6, 1950 just escaping the transfer to Korea as that war started only 9 days after his discharge.
While in Germany he met the love of his life, Margarete, while dancing in the Club. He then went back to the United States and waited for Margarete to arrive which took another 2 years. They were married in a small country church at Dent, MN on April 6, 1952. Bud and Margarete then moved to Montana to work for Dave Garber until 1955. He worked for the Kearns brothers who bought the Garber place and moved to the Clem Larson ranch in 1959. In the fall of 1964 they moved to the Weder Ranch and worked there until 1970 when they moved to Jordan and Bud started a construction business. He continued the building business until his retirement.
Bud was preceded in death by his adoptive parents, two brothers, his mother and his wife.
He is survived by his daughter Sonja (Darryl) Turner, granddaughters Jenille (Rob) Brugger, Valerie (Leo) Murnion and 9 great-grandchildren Ashtyn, Kanin, Savannah, Andrew, Carson, Shane, Liam, Walker and Emily.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Garfield County Swimming Pool.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 from 11:00 a.m.to1:00 p.m.at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Jordan followed by a graveside service with full Military and Masonic Rites in Pioneer Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is assisting the family in these arrangements.
J.D. and Mary Alice Murnion says
So sorry for your loss. May Bud rest in peace, and may God give the family the strenghth they need at this time.
Cathy Byron says
I had a wonderful visit with Bud about six weeks ago in the nursing home. We talked about the old time neighbors and he tossed his head back in a belly laugh when we remembered one in particular. This particular person was only part of the neighborhood for a few years, but he brought many a smile with his antics at the Fairview Hall dances, and Bud really remembered them! He was a quiet man that ran deep. As I read his obituary, I understand so much more. He simply told me he was a medic when we talked about his time in the service. My heart and prayers are with all of you. Four significant losses in such a short time is much to bear. Trust that they are together in a much happier place. Give yourselves time to grieve, and try to focus on the happy memories. Both are keys to healing.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers for all of Buds Family. He was a Kind, Caring, and Considerate Person. Always willing to help out. He will be remembered for his carpenter work. Your Family Has had way to much grief in the past few months. May you find comfort in all of your good memories and in Gods Love and May the Lord help you find a path of light through this time of darkness
Pete Shawver says
Auf Wiedersehen Meine Freund,
Lass Gottes Frieden und Ruhe Lauf Uber Dich !! Jetzt Kannst Du Tanzen Mit Deine Liebes Margarete Tanzen Ins Himmel Zwischen Die Engel !!! Gottes Segnet Und Liebe Fur Die Ganze Familie !!!
Goodbye Bud,
May God’s Peace and Tranquility Rain Over You !! Now You Can Dance in Heaven With Your Sweet Fraulein Margarete, Between The Angels!!! God’s Blessings And Love For Your Entire Family !!
Connie Blonigen says
I’m sorry to hear of Bud’s passing. My sincere condolences to his family.
Rhonda Mothershead says
I am so sorry to hear of Buds passing. It was a honor to know him. I have fond memories of both your parents, Sonja.
Colleen Butler says
I was so sad to hear that you lost your Dad, and so close to the loss of your Mom. My heart goes out to you Sonja and to your family. Your parents were so wonderful and I know how close you were to them. May God give you strength and peace in your heart. I love you my friends.
Jessie Beehler says
Jenille, Rob & family,
So sorry for your loss. My prayers & thoughts are with you!
Katie & Kayden Paxson says
Jenille and Family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Take care. Prayers and good thoughts being sent your way!
John & Jenny Frady says
so sorry about the loss of Bud & May God grant Bud rest in peace.