Merlin Rice
September 25, 2021
Obituary
Merlin J. Rice, 89, of Platteville, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at Edenbrook of Platteville on Saturday, September 25, 2021, with Agrace Hospice assisting after a brief stay. Memorial services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, where there will will be Chapel Military Rites by American Legion Post #42 and VFW Post #5274 and Fireman's Memorial Roll Call. Rev. Rafael Cubilette will officiate. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Platteville, at a later date. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Merlin J. Rice Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.
Merlin was born in Platteville in 1932 to Charles and Ella Rice, the youngest of five children. He attended Platteville schools. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War where he was stationed in England, where he met and married his wife, Sheena Hart. They had three children, Robert (deceased), JoAnne (Kurt) Schlicher, and Jennifer (Jeff) Bockhop. He is also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Merlin worked as a mechanic and later for the United States Postal service, Platteville, from which he retired. He was a member of the VFW Post #5274 and he served as a volunteer fireman for the city of Platteville for many years. Merlin was well known for his enjoyment of fishing, bowling, morel hunting, playing cards, trips to the casino, but mostly he was known for jokes and sense of humor.
By the way, “Did you hear the one about the...”