GOFF, KS – Howard "Jerome" Rice, 80, of Goff, KS passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at his home. He was born February 21, 1937 in Troy, KS, the son of Howard Glen and Ruth Irene (Soden) Rice.


Jerome graduated from Robinson High School in 1955 and attended Vo-Tech in Atchison for Architectural Drafting. In 1980, he placed 1st in the state in drafting and in the top 6 nationally.


He was a self employed carpenter and construction worker. He helped with installation of the marble floors in the Capitol Building following the 1966 tornado. He had worked with Chenny Construction out of Manhattan, KS helping with an addition to the Onaga Hospital and served as foreman on the construction of the Horton High School gymnasium. Jerome had also done work for the Kickapoo Government Housing.

He married Sandra Sue Zielsdorf December 19, 1969 in Holton, KS. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his sons, Mike Rice (Tamara) of Dwight, KS, Dennis Rice of Goff, KS and Dannial Rice of Dawson, NE; his sister, Phyllis Branch (Dion) of Rayville, LA; 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Joyce Sorter and Sharon Rice and his brother, Roger Rice.


A Celebration of Jerome's life will be 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the Goff Community Building. Inurnment will be in the Robinson Cemetery at a later date. A register book is available at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials may be given to the Jerome Rice Memorial Fund c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.