Allen Reed Rice

IRONWOOD, Mich. - On Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017, Allen Reed Rice of Ironwood passed away unexpectedly. His community knew him as "Uncle Al" from radio station WJMS/WIMI, but we called him "Grandpa Al."

Allen was a loving father and grandpa, an amazing friend, and an entertainer to the world. He was employed at the local radio station and took great pride in his work. His talents showed through any time one of his commercials came across the local radio station, any time you would walk into a local karaoke session; and where he felt the most at home, up on the stage in a local play or with his fellow musicians.

His loving spirit and vibrant personality will be missed dearly. Our family would like to thank the entire community for their love, support, and kind words. He was truly a unique soul who can never be replaced. We look forward to the day he can share the stage with us all again.

Allen is the son of Rolinda Hayman and the late Michael L. Rice. He was born on Sept. 9, 1960, in Iron Mountain. He is survived by his sons, Ryan Rice, of Green Bay, Wis., and Justin Rice, of Sheboygan, Wis .; daughter, Erin (Matthew) Modjewski, of Sheboygan; grandson, Mason; granddaughter, Nora; stepson, Randy Halbach, Merrill, Wis., stepdaughter, Spring (Michael) Wiesneski, Merrill; stepgrandchildren, Emily, Anna, Amaris and Heather; brothers, Michael Rice Jr., Kansas City, and Dean and Loren Hayman, both of Iron Mountain; and sisters, Shelly Rice, Ironwood, Deanna Rice, Kansas City, Shondra Rice, Wyoming, and Leslie Rice, Megan Hayman, and Christa Hayman, all of Georgia.

A celebration of his beautiful life will be held at the Iron Horse in downtown Hurley, Wis., today, Saturday, Feb. 11, beginning at 2 p.m.

Online condolences may be expressed at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.