Robert "Bob" Rice

Robert “Bob” E. Rice was born on January 7, 1931, to Everett and Flora (Taylor) Rice. He graduated from Hayes Consolidated School in 1948, rural Storm Lake, and soon began farming near Storm Lake. On August 13, 1950, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Alberts, in Storm Lake, Iowa. When his grandfather retired from farming, Bob and Dorothy moved southeast of Storm Lake to continue their journey together.

Bob was a hardworking and driven entrepreneur with a passion for business and a knack for connecting with people. He spent some time as a truck driver while the couple lived in Logan. After relocating to Denison in 1961, Bob worked as a regional director for Combine Insurance Company. He was a natural salesman, always eager to strike up a conversation and build relationships.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open the Robo Car Wash in Denison in 1972, and on the side, he sold horse trailers and pickup toppers. As customers returned for repairs, he saw an opportunity and transitioned into the trailer business full-time. In 1983, Bob and Dorothy founded Rice Trailer Company in Denison, where he found great joy in going to work every day. With Dorothy by his side as bookkeeper and secretary, they built a successful business together. Their partnership spanned 67 years until Dorothy’s passing in 2018.

Even after Dorothy’s passing, Bob remained dedicated to his work, continuing to run Rice Trailer Company with the same passion and commitment he always had. His work was not just a career—it was a way for him to stay engaged with the people he cherished and the community he loved. Bob was a proud member of the Odd Fellows since April 3, 1968.

Bob passed away on March 5, 2025, at Crawford County Memorial Hospital having attained the age of 94 years, one month and 26 days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Rice; daughter, Linda Robinson; granddaughter, April Rice; and brother-in-law, Arlin Otto.

He will be deeply missed by daughter, Debbie (Larry) Smith of Greenview, IL; son, Douglas Rice (Kathy Dressen) of Denison; three grandchildren; great-granddaughter, Samantha (Orlando) Zamago; five additional great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; sister, Marjorie Otto of Storm Lake; brothers, Dick (Monica) Rice of Storm Lake, Ed (Loa Jean) Rice of Alta, and Tom (Doris) Rice of Storm Lake; son-in-law, Jim Robinson of Carlyle; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by an Odd Fellows Ceremony at 6:00 p.m., all at Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Denison will burial in Crawford Heights Memory Gardens in Denison.