Kevin Anthony Rice, 69, of Terre Haute, IN, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

His family will host a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 13, at the Kenneth & Kellie Blume farm (17207 391st Avenue / Redfield, SD / 57469). Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield has assisted Kevin’s family (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

Kevin was born on April 9, 1957, to Richard and Norita (Gruenwald) Rice in Rapid City, SD. A year later, the family moved to Cleveland, OH. Kevin attended Verda Brobst Grade School and John Marshall High School, graduating in 1975. He went on to school at Seafarers International Union in Piney Point, MD. Kevin had several jobs, from trucking, hauling grain for his sister and brother-in-law, to owning the Ashton Bar in Ashton, SD, but the love of sailing on the Great Lakes always called him back. He sailed on several ships for over 20 plus years, spending some time on the ocean, and he was the chief engineer on the Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder. Kevin had a huge love for animals, especially dogs. He leaves behind his golden retriever June, who was his best friend.

He enjoyed Harleys, Corvettes, and Camaros. He spent many hours working on his yard and pool, spending his summers swimming, he always had a love of water. He always took a million pictures of everything and everyone. Kevin would spend hours every day talking on the phone to family and friends. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed telling everyone he was his Mother’s favorite child. Every winter, he would spend hours doing genealogy, letting us know who we were related to. This past year, he got into playing with A.I. and even named him Harry, after his favorite show “Resident Alien,” which he thought was hilarious.

Kevin was a member of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association Union and a member of the North Coast Cleveland Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed being a part of the Interlake Steamship Company family and had a great love and admiration for the family he had formed with them over many years. Kevin loved the Golden Corral, but it was really the people there that kept him coming back, he never knew a stranger. He spent many Sunday brunches with his daughter at Saint Mary of the Woods in Terre Haute. Kevin was a man of great faith and enjoyed watching “The Chosen” and talking about Jesus with his daughter Madison.

Most notably, Kevin absolutely loved being a grandfather. His granddaughter, Presley, or more affectionately known as “PK” thanks to him, was the greatest joy of his life.

Grateful for sharing in his life is his daughter Madison Rice and Jack Conner and granddaughter Presley of Terre Haute. His brother Richard John and Toni Rice of Perrysburg, OH. Sister Kellie and Kenneth Blume of Redfield, SD. Niece Alyssa and Doug Rider. Nephews: Colin Blume and sons Harvey and Howard, Riley and Leslie Blume and daughter Sophie, and Elden Blume. 

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Norita Rice, sister-in-law Karen Rice, and many uncles and aunts.