Dennis Harold Rice, a lifelong resident of Ord, Nebraska, passed away on September 5, 2026, at the Regional Hospital in Grand Island, Nebraska, at the age of 72.
Born on October 25, 1953, in Ord, Dennis was the son of Harold and Mary (Murdough) Rice. He was raised in Ord and graduated from Ord High School in 1972.
His career began at Cetak’s Market in the meat department, and he later joined Sack Lumber Company, where his passion for woodworking flourished. Pursuing his interest in craftsmanship, Dennis became a self-employed handyman, taking on projects ranging from minor repairs to major constructions and flooring installations.
In 1972, Dennis married Rhonda Ziegler, and they resided in Ord, raising two children, Lynda Sue and Daniel Harold. The couple divorced in 1994. Dennis later found companionship with Peggy (Schnarr) Putnam, whom he married in December 2006.
An enthusiast of hunting and fishing, Dennis had a profound interest in firearms. Despite his health challenges, he continued to engage in woodworking, crafting birdhouses and squirrel feeders, which he sold during Junk Jaunt.
Dennis is remembered for his dedication to his craft and his love for the outdoors.
Survivors include his wife, Peggy of Ord; a daughter, Lynda Felton (Gordon Lund) of Ord; a son, Daniel Rice (Ale Garcia) of LeMars, Iowa; stepchildren, Lester (Jessica) Putnam of Minden, Melissa (Nate) Schwarz of Kearney and Zachary (Bernadette) Putnam of Hastings; grandchildren, Jordan (Kryssiah) Felton, Hailey (Colin) Smith and Jason (Emily) Felton; great grandchildren, Leah and Quinnley Felton and Hank Felton; nine step-grandchildren; a brother, Robert “Bob” Rice of Ord and two sisters, Janice Rice and Peggy (Everett) Brott all of Ord.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Wayne Rice; son-in-law, Tom Felton and sister-in-law, Corinne “Cory” Rice.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Ord First United Methodist Church. Pastor Scott Smith will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Ord City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Family’s Choice for future designation. Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.ordmemorialchapel.com
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