Eugene Elroy Rice

Eugene Elroy Rice (Gene), 90, of Seattle passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025 at his home. A celebration of life will take place at Greenwood Memorial Chapel, 350 Monroe Ave NE, Renton, Washington on July 3, 2025 at 2:30 PM.

Gene was born during the Great Depression, December 28, 1934 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He moved to Winnipeg, Canada for a short time when he was 7 before moving to Seattle that same year.

Following graduation from Cleveland High School he joined the United States Army where served honorably from 1953 to 1956 and was training to be an airplane mechanic. On April 2, 1960 Gene married Patricia Joy Sundet (Patty) at Renton Lutheran Church.

For most of his working career he worked at Northwest Aluminum where he was a glazier before retiring in 1998.

Gene enjoyed traveling. Noted destinations included Florida, Nevada, Hawaii, Egypt, and Israel. He and Patty also enjoyed road trips to visit family in Wisconsin, North Dakota and Illinois. Gene also enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, softball, and golf. He was a volunteer softball coach as well. After retirement, Gene enjoyed playing pool at the Renton senior center.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Patricia Rice (Patty), two of their children Holly (Mark) Rice-Enns and Paul (Naomi) Rice, six grandchildren, two great grandchildren,

and the rest of his family and friends.

Gene is preceded in death by his daughter Tracy J Ramerez and his parents Grace K. Dunkle and Donald (Donnie) Dunkle.

Gene Rice lived his life with integrity, humility and a deep love for his family. His presence was a joy to many, and his memory will forever be a blessing.