Mark Peter Rice

Mark P. Rice, 71, passed away May 7, 2023, at his home in Moorhead, MN, under care of his family and
Hospice of the Red River Valley after a hard fought battle with cancer.

Mark was born on March 26, 1952 to Guy and Leonette (Blake) Rice and was raised in the Como area of
St. Paul, MN graduating from St. Bernard’s High School in 1970 and College of St. Thomas in 1974. He
also spent many summers with his siblings at their family cabin on Sylvan Lake near Brainerd.
St. Paul is also where he met the love of his life and wife of almost 50 years, Mary (a Highland girl,) at the
Midway Montgomery Wards catalog department. They married on June 9,1973 and later relocated to
Moorhead, MN in 1981 with their three kids, Angela, Mark William, and Amy. Mark worked in the Business
Office of Minnesota State University until he retired from there in 2013.

Mark and Mary immersed themselves in their Catholic church and school, St. Joseph's. Mark participated
in many volunteer activities over the years including school garage sales, bike marathons, Christmas tree
sales, Fall Bazaars, Eucharistic ministry, cleaning of the church and school, funeral service lunches,
Wednesday soup suppers, and many more acts of service. He was devoted to his faith and he and Mary
even took a trip with other parish members to Italy to visit many holy and sacred places.

Mark loved being active and always had to be doing something! Many family car vacations included a day
waking up very early to spectate and cheer Mark on as he ran a race, including memorable trips to Duluth
for Grandma's Marathon and Canada for the Winnipeg Marathon. Since one sport was not enough, Mark
was also an avid bicyclist, logging thousands of miles and countless hours planning and completing treks
across states. He was also proud to be a member and sponsor of AA and had recently received his
47-year chip. Throughout his life, Mark found a supportive group of friends to join in on his multitude of
adventures.

Mark's favorite role was that of ‘Fun Grandpa’ to Bailey, Emerson, Yuri, and Wyatt. He loved spending
time with them on camping trips, hosting cabin time with bonfires and kayaks, attending school events,
holidays, and just hanging out. When the kids were busy, Mark and Mary occupied their down time with
many trips to escape Minnesota winters, including month-long drives along Route 66, visits to Mexico,
cruises, and even a memorable tour of Ireland.

Mark had a rich life and a profound impact around him. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and
all who were lucky enough to know him. Mark is survived by his wife, Mary; his children Angie (Peter)
Rice-Beckman, Mark (Robin) Rice, and Amy (Chris Orth); and his grandchildren Bailey, Emerson, Yuri,
and Wyatt. He is also survived by his siblings Kim, Karyn (Bob) Rassel, Robin, and David
(Therese); and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., followed by the prayer service at 7:00 P.M., Thursday, May
18, 2023, at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN. Visitation will continue from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.,
followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M., Friday, May 19, 2023, at St. Joseph's Catholic
Church, Moorhead, MN. Final resting place will be at the Columbarium at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery,
Moorhead, MN, following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Joseph’s Catholic School Direct Donations - St. Joseph's
School (stjoesmhdschool.com) or Hospice of the Red River Valley Giving Back - Hospice of the Red River
Valley (hrrv.org).