Obituary for Norman Rice Jr. Norman John Rice Jr. Many men are strong, but very few have been able to mix in the right amount of gentleness. In doing so, you get a man you can admire, respect, and look up to, who will understand and listen. On August 2, 2018, Norman John Rice Jr. age 81 of Grosse Pointe passed away and joined his parents and loved ones who have gone before him. Born on November 11, 1936 to Norman Rice Sr. and Margaret Murdock Rice. Norman was always well liked and wanted to help others. He was student council president, in the marching band, part of the football and hockey teams at St. Marys Academy, Assumption High School, and Assumption College. In 1961, he graduated from Detroit College of Law with a J.D. and received his commission into the United States Air Force as a JAG Officer. In 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Clementine Hinsperger, and with 56 years together they have had countless adventures. He served as a JAG officer for 26 years, retiring as a Colonel with dozens of citations and services awards The adventures of Clementine and Norman included living in Japan and Asia (during the Vietnam War) and all over the U.S. including Utah, Virginia, Texas and finally settling in Michigan. During those years Norman and Clementine had three children whom they raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Norman loved his family and did so unconditionally and with all his heart. Whether he was timing a swim meet, cheering from the sidelines or driving a carpool of kids he was happiest being with his children and five grandchildren. Always up for an adventure, and with a little coaxing from Clementine, Norman lived life to the fullest (at 80 years old they went zip-lining for their first time!), even during his last years battling Cancer. Norman stayed close to his Catholic roots his whole life, serving on church boards, as a Eucharistic minister and as a greeter at St. Paul On the Lake. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 25 years, a member of the Senior Men’s Club of Grosse Pointe and a senior member of the “Wit,” or Witenagemote, which he joined 1978. He enjoyed socializing and learning from his fellow members and sharing his expertise. His kindness and respect for all people was in his every day life. He truly touched the lives of those around him and was known as a gentle soul who would do anything to help you. He was also known for his wit and incredible sense of humor. Nothing lit up a room like his laugh and his Irish smile. Norman John Rice Jr. is survived by his loving wife, Clementine Rice and by his children Valerie Fitzsimons, Ann-Margaret (David) Roth and Norman John (Margaret Ann) Rice, III and by his grandchildren Patrick Fitzsimons, Norman Rice, IV, Maria Roth, Mary Catherine Fitzsimons and Maggie Rice. A Memorial Mass will be held at Noon on Saturday, August 11th at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan 48236. There will be a Gathering period with the family starting at 11:30AM at the Church entrance. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are appreciated to the St. Paul Educational Trust, please call 313-885-3430, and the Lake House (for those touched by Cancer) at www.milakehouse.org. Order Flowers
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Norman John Rice Jr 1936 2018.
Death notice for the town of: -, state: Michigan