Margaret A. Rice, 95, Milaca

November 26, 1921 - August 19, 2017

Margaret Ann Rice, born to Frances (Malterer) and Joseph Albrecht November 26, 1921, passed away peacefully in her sleep August 19, 2017, at Milaca Elim Rehab Care Center. She had been admitted there July 17 after a fall at her farm home.

Born and raised on Old 18, Princeton, MN, she married Stephen (Bud) Rice November 5, 1940, at St. Edward's Catholic Church, Princeton, MN. She lived her last 75 years at their farm outside Milaca, MN. Together they raised enough crops to feed their pigs, chickens, and milking herd of Holsteins. When retired, they raised beef until Bud passed away in 1990. Their compassion for nature and flower gardens was passed on to their children.

Margaret's morning started with her daily prayers before coffee and toast. She loved her family, looking forward to visits, phone calls, and mail...her lifeline. Her grandkids and great grandchildren were adored by her. She bestowed many gifts of beautiful embroidery, homemade apple pies and goodies - and generously shared her delicious home-cooked meals to family and friends who continuously stopped by. She loved the family holidays and Taylors/Interstate Park gatherings.

She was a hard working farm wife, helping with chores, fields, lawn, garden, flowers, canning - yet always had time to stop and visit. Margaret looked forward to having company, making everyone feel welcome. She raised her family in a home filled with love, compassion, and without prejudices.

Margaret and Bud were founding members of The Church of St. Mary’s of Milaca, with extreme effort, labor and personal sacrifices helping make it a reality. She was a Charter member of St. Mary's and a life-long member of St. Mary's Ladies Guild.

Preceding Margaret in her death were her parents; siblings, Raymond, Rozella, Lewie, Johnny, and Donald; her husband, Bud; son, Larry Rice; daughter, Barbara Rudquist; and sons-in-law, Jerry Wallskog, Craig Carlson, and Del Brooks.

She is survived by daughters, Gwen Wallskog of LeCenter, MN, Jeanne (James) Licari of Rochester, MN, and Mary Brooks (Anthony) of Princeton, MN; son, Steve Rice of Marysville, WA; daughter-in-law, Margaret S. Rice of Brookings, OR; son-in-law, Dennis Rudquist of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren, Kelly (Chuck) Johnston, Mark (Suzanne) Wallskog, Matt (Jenny) Wallskog, Michael (Kirsten) Licari, Joan (Mark) McCrory, Larry (Dina) Fredlund, Steve (Tracy) Fredlund, Jen (John) Miller, Curt Carlson, Michelle Applegate, Don Brooks, David Rice, Laura Rice, and Eric Rice; many great grandchildren; her god-daughter and niece, Chris (Albrecht) Gilbertson; along with many other family and friends. She was loved so much and will be greatly missed by all.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 24, 2017, from 5:00-8:00 PM at Williams Dingmann Funeral Home, 205 S Rum River Drive, Princeton, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, August 25, 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 625 3rd Ave SE, Milaca, MN with visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. Lunch to be served directly after service. A private graveside Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when Margaret will be buried alongside her husband in Oak Knoll Cemetery, Princeton, MN.