In loving memory of

Nicholas S. Rice
March 1, 1998 - September 7, 2020

NICHOLAS S. RICE
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Nicholas Sterling Rice, 22, of Muscatine, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2020, at his home.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made for his daughter Aurora in care of Doug and Jill Rice. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.


Nicholas was born on March 1, 1998, in Muscatine, the son of Douglas and Jill Snyder Rice.

He graduated from Muscatine High School, class of 2016. Nick worked for the Muscatine Community School District and was also owner of Rice Cleaning and Maintenance. He was an Eagle Scout and a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow Honor Society. Nick was the content creator at "Of Rice and Men".

Nick enjoyed video games, camping, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and getting together with his family and friends. He liked lasagna, music, and playing the piano, percussion, and trumpet. Most of all, Nick loved his daughter, Aurora, and his dog, Kronos.

He is survived by his daughter, Aurora Rice; parents, Doug and Jill Rice; siblings, Ben Rice and Skyler Rice; grandparents, John and Marge Rice, and Gary Shoppa; his uncles and aunts, Steve Rice and his wife, Dawn, Jim Rice, Dave Rice, and his wife, Tina, Jennifer Rice, Katie Rice, Jeff Snyder and his wife, Debbie, Julie Castillo and her husband, Rolando, Jay Snyder, Amy Testrake, Tom Shoppa and his wife, Rebecca, and Karen Kochneff; many cousins; and his special group of friends who loved and supported him all of these years (Nerd Country forever!).

Nicholas is preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Samuel Snyder and Nancy Shoppa; his uncle, Matt Shoppa; and his beloved dog Kronos.

Tributes

Janet Clark wrote on Sep 30, 2020:

"It?s hard to wrap my head around the loss of Nick. He and I had lots of conversations during his high school band days. I learned a lot from Nick. He was so nice to me, and he would always help out anytime it was needed. His smile and charm would light up a room. He had a special place in my heart. "

virginia cooper wrote on Sep 22, 2020:

"To the family of Nicholas, I would like to extend most sincere sympathy. It is very difficult to have a young, vibrant life cut short. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Virginia"

Jennifer wrote on Sep 14, 2020:

"Nicky Pickles, my favorite memories of you are as a chubby faced smiley little kid with the raspy voice doing the Blues Clues dance, pointing to your mom's "Bonlushi" t-shirt, and saying "I smell like old lady!". You and the other "boy friends!" were so fun to watch growing up and I hate that you won't grow old together. Love you sweetie. We'll miss you. "

Jared wrote on Sep 14, 2020:

"I think one of the funniest memories was a game of D&D. My character had locked himself in a room with a hallway of knights breaking in. You knew I couldn't beat them and didn't think much of it. Then I asked to roll for jumping out the window with a sheet as a parachute. You nonchalantly told me to go for it and I rolled the dice. Nat 20. You just starred at that dice for a few seconds, the look on your face. Then you laughed and narrated a graceful parachuting and landing. I wish your story didn't end where it did. A book with most of it pages left blank. Tales, triumphs, and adventures that will never be told. But I treasure the pages that were written. Your humor, your wit, the people you touched, and memories we made. You may be gone, but you won't be forgotten. Not now, not a year from now, not as long as the Rices stay standing."

Kelly Preslan wrote on Sep 12, 2020:

"Nick was one of my favorite band students. He loved coming to his percussion lessons and playing trumpet in the jazz band. He was always a bright spot in my day. My favorite memory with Nick was when we both happened to be at the same Disturbed concert, so we head-banged to the music together. Sending much love and sympathy to the family, he will be missed."

Andy wrote on Sep 12, 2020:

"The work we did together will always feel more like a friendship and the kind of friend who I know was loyal and so csring. I had more questions for you and inspired be the kindness and help you offered others. I truly will miss your laugh and smile, and I can't get that out of my head. Your humor was right up my alley and its was just a wonderful treat to get to be there when I could. Be well my friend"

Bradley wrote on Sep 10, 2020:

"We will always remember you Nick for aslong as we live you will always be in our Hearts Brother gonna miss playing BO3 Zombies with you man much love to his family "

Katie Rice wrote on Sep 10, 2020:

"It still doesn't seem real that he's gone. I will always remember little Nicky Pickles obsessed with Blues Clues doing his little dance and sitting in his "thinking chair." Our family will never be the same without him. "

Trey wrote on Sep 9, 2020:

"Choir was never the same without him sad we lost touch after graduation "

Taylor Williams wrote on Sep 9, 2020:

"I was privileged to be Nick's summer camp counselor at Loud Thunder Scout Camp. His presence was joyful and he will be missed. "

Joletta Yoder wrote on Sep 9, 2020:

"Thinking of you all during this difficult time. So sorry for your loss. Roger and Joletta Yoder"

Brandy wrote on Sep 9, 2020:

"Nick and I worked together at Dollar General. He had humourous attitude. He always said funny things to make me laugh.. I remember when he found out that he was going to be a father. He was beyond excited. My family is saddened to hear of his passing. Nick will always be remembered as a kind man with a good heart."

Sean wrote on Sep 8, 2020:

"Nick made a major impact on my life. The late night conversations me and him had during my first year on camp staff will stay with me for life. I?ll always remember him, he was an amazing friend to have. "

Sean wrote on Sep 8, 2020:

"Nick made a major impact on my life. The late night conversations me and him had during my first year on camp staff will stay with me for life. I?ll always remember him, he was an amazing friend to have. "

Uriah Vowels wrote on Sep 8, 2020:

"I will miss Nick very much. We had a lot of fun together while in the Boy Scouts. He was always a fun person to be around "

Lori Dusenberry & MHS Custodial Staff wrote on Sep 8, 2020:

"We are so sorry to hear of Nick's passing. He was a great guy and will truly be missed. Our prayers go out to his family and baby, Aurora. He loved her with all his heart and spoke of her always. May the peace that passes all understanding be with each of you and may his memories comfort you throughout your grief. Please know that he made a difference! The MHS Custodial Staff"

Robin Werner wrote on Sep 8, 2020:

"You have our deepest sympathy. Mark & Robin Werner"

Courtney Martin wrote on Sep 8, 2020:

"I will ALWAYS remember every morning we had to wake up at the crack of dawn for marching band, or band camp. Or the times walking down the halls at high school laughing and talking about everything and anything. You were the highlight of my day because i knew no matter what mood i was in youd never fail to put a smile on my face and i will ALWAYS be grateful for that. "