Loren Charles Rice

Loren Charles Rice passed away April 23, 2021, surrounded by his family. Loren was born February 13, 1921, the son of Elton J. and Viola Rice in Wolf Point, Montana. The family moved from Wolf Point to Spokane, Washington where Loren was raised. Loren was drafted during World War II and was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps serving from April 18, 1944 to November 15, 1945. He completed Air Force Advanced Navigation School and served as a B-17 bomber navigator stationed in Italy. He flew air combat missions over the Balkans, Normandy, Rome, and Arno. His bomber was shot down during a combat mission; he received injuries bailing out over Austria on July 21, 1944 and was captured by the Germans. Loren’s mother was notified by the American Red Cross that he was a prisoner of war of the German government on August 28, 1944. Loren was a prisoner at Stalag Luft 1 until the Russians liberated the camp in 1945. He received the Purple Heart. Loren attended the University of Idaho earning a bachelor’s degree in Ag Econ. He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity during his college years. Loren acquired the nickname “Tiger” at the ATO house, the origin of the nickname untold, but it evolved from the fun loving, carefree veteran Loren was in college. After graduation, Loren began working for International Harvester. His career with International Harvester required him to move and work with stores in Washington, Idaho, California, and Montana. He retired from International Harvester the late 1970s. Failing retirement, Loren continued his career with Freightliner in Great Falls working for ten years until ultimately retiring. Loren married Elaine Cope on February 6, 1954. Sixty-seven years of marriage were filled with love, laughter, and family. Loren is survived by his wife, Elaine; sons, Wade (Patti) and Kyle (Connie); daughter, Ann (Wayne); nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Loren’s grandchildren have fond memories of the adventures they shared with their grandparents.Family was extremely important to Loren, he modeled for them a strong work ethic, integrity, and a passion for serving his church and community. Community service was a passion for Loren. He was a lifetime member of the Great Falls Kiwanis Club.The annual Children’s Christmas Party was a highlight of his work. Loren was also an active member of the Park Manor Board serving on the board until he was 98 years old. New Hope Lutheran Church was a fixture in Loren’s life. Loren was active with his children both in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, sports, and daily life. He never missed one of his children’s activities or celebrations even into their adult lives. Loren truly exemplified through his actions “paying it forward.” Loren lived life to the fullest. Not a moment went by without him caring for his family. He loved a good party and celebrating life’s great moments with family and friends. Loren was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.