Robert M. “Bob” Rice, 58, of Brooklyn, WI, formerly of Platteville, WI, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2015 at his home in Brooklyn, surrounded by his family, after a short battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Agrace Hospice and the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.
Robert was born on January 5, 1957. He graduated from Platteville High School in 1975. He moved to and lived in Eugene, Oregon, for a while. He then moved back to Wisconsin and worked, first at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, then for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier in Madison, until he became ill and retired. Robert was a fan of all sports. He loved the Badgers, Cubs, and the Green Bay Packers. He was a big fan of English football and Irish Pubs. He was especially fond of craft beers and Sunday morning bloody marys; he was known to tip a few with his buddies at such places as The Great Dane and Mulligans. Rob could be found on the golf course or the bowling alley; earning many trophies and participating on several teams, with a hole-in-one in golf and belonging to the 700 club in bowling. He loved to travel and took several trips to England to spend time with relatives, as well as once to be, the best man at his cousin’s wedding. He loved everything about the British culture, architecture, and history. He loved to laugh and had a great dry wit and sense of humor. Robert is survived by his parents, Sheena and Merlin Rice, of Platteville; son, Michael (Tonya) Jones of Wonewoc, WI; grandchildren, Cailey and Aunna; sister, JoAnne (Kurt) Schlicher of Platteville; sister, Jennifer (Jeff) Bockhop of Rockford, IL; nieces, Allison, Morgan, and Amanda; nephew, Erik; and many friends and relatives who will miss him dearly. The family of would like to thank Agrace Hospice Care, Fitchburg, for their exceptional work.