Leonard Samuel "Papa" Rice, age 88, of Winneconne, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away on Friday, June 21, 2013. Len was born in Brighton, Colorado on December 9, 1924, the son of the late Fred and Elizabeth (Kummer) Rice. On May 20, 1943, shortly before his High School graduation from Omro High School, Len was drafted and inducted into the United States Army. He served as a Sergeant in Company E, 12th Infantry, and 4th Division. During his tour of duty in Europe Len was wounded and taken prisoner of war "in the Battle of the Bulge" later to receive the Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medal. After returning from the war he attended Oshkosh State Teachers College transferring to the University of Wisconsin to complete his Bachelor of Science and Pharmacy degree. During his college years Len courted his old high school sweetheart and on April 17, 1949, he married June C. Hellwig. Upon graduation in 1950, Len worked for Bohlman Drugs in Boscobel, and Hilton Pharmacy in LaCrosse, before moving to Winneconne to work for Stearns Drug. On March 9, 1959, Len opened Rice Pharmacy and operated the store for 36 years until his retirement in 1995. Just as Len had served his country during World War II, he continued to service in his own community by becoming an active member in the Winneconne Kiwanis, Legion and Masons. He was very much a family man involved in his children's activities serving as a Boy Scout Leader for many years and led many work weekends at Camp Hiwela for Camp Fire Girls. Len's faith and service to his Church was always a top priority serving often on the Session for the First Presbyterian Church of Winneconne or other committees. Len was an avid reader who instilled in his children and grandchildren the importance and love of reading. Len loved to hunt with his boys and work on the farm at Clark's Bay. Whether it was fishing in Canada or on the mighty Wolf, Len loved to fish'um, clean'um, cook'um and eat'um with his wife, his kids, his grandkids or friends. Len was a remarkable man who taught us wonderful life lessons and loved us unconditionally. His love and memories will always live in our hearts. Papa is loved and sadly missed by his daughter, Jane (Tom) Kinney, Sun Prairie and foreign exchange daughter Benja Chonlatanon; his sons, Bill (Carol) Rice, Springfield, Illinois; David (Ilona) Rice, Kewaunee; Tim Rice, Omro; his grandchildren, Anne (Nathan) Poe, Meghan Kinney, Emily Kinney, Lindsay (Steve) Kane, Sara (Alec) Belling, Bill Rice, Owen Rice, Evan Rice, and Selena Ritchie; and great-granddaughter Katie Poe. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Elizabeth Rice; five brothers, Adam (Virginia), Dan (Lillian), Fred (Jeanette), Ted and Leo; and four sisters, Esther (Paul) Achterberg, Elsie (James) Jensen, Leona (Clarence "Bud") Koehn, and Florence (Edward) Dory; and his wife June. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held on Friday, June 28, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 32 S. Third Ave., Winneconne, with Pastor Mara Liz Rivera officiating. A luncheon and fellowship at the church will follow a Military Burial at the Winneconne Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established in Len's name at the First Presbyterian Church, Winneconne. Please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com. Feel no guilt in laughter he'd know how much you care. Feel no sorrow in a smile that he is not here to share. You cannot grieve forever; he would not want you to. He'd hope that you could carry on the way you always do. So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared, The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared. Let memories surround you, a word someone may say Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day, That brings him back as clearly as though he were still here, And fills you with the feeling that he is always near. For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart And he will live forever locked safely within your heart. Unknown Mueller Funeral Home Winneconne (920) 582-4242