Douglas Rice, 57, of Juneau, Alaska (formerly of Fontanelle)

Time of Funeral Change from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Funeral Services: Will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at the Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle with burial in the Fontanelle Cemetery.  A luncheon will be held at the Hotel Greenfield following the burial.  The Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle is in charge of the professional arrangements.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com. 

Family Visitation:  The family will greet friends on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

On May 7, 2024, Douglas James Rice, 57, of Juneau, Alaska passed away peacefully at his home in West Des Moines, Iowa with his children at his side. A beloved son, brother, father, uncle, and friend leaving us with a legacy of cherished memories.

Born October 25, 1966, in Winterset, Iowa to Jimmy Dean Rice and Mary Lea Rice (Lydon).

Doug graduated from Bridgewater-Fontanelle High School in 1984. He spent 33 years as an Air Traffic Controller for the Federal Aviation Administration. During his career, he spent many years as a Union Steward, involved in policy development and countless hours representing fellow employees. The individuals who work in SE Alaska are a tribe--camaraderie, and friendship at its finest. He was grateful and fortunate to be on the journey with Paul, Steve, John, Val and John.

We will remember Doug as a father, his highest purpose; son, brother and a friend with strong opinions and worldview; the fishing trips with his brother, nephews, children, and father and friends; boat rides; “coaching” the Iowa State Cyclone sports teams; hiking; biking RAGBRAI with his sisters; smoking meat; working on engines with Dylan; cooking and baking for holidays; traveling for miles; lightning and thunder shows; listening to music and adding his name to every song; and generously spending time with family, present for all of us.

Doug will be dearly missed by his children Levi (Taylor and grandson Wesley) of Waukee, Iowa, Dylan(Sydney) of Eagle River, Alaska, and Emma (Ashton and grandson Jaxson) of Juneau, Alaska. He is also survived by his father Jimmy Dean (Louise) of Soldotna, Alaska, and his mother Mary Lea of Waukee, Iowa, brother Daryl (Nathalie) of Sitka, Alaska, and his sisters Darcy (Keith) of Urbandale, Iowa, Dottie of Omaha, Nebraska, and Daisy of Lewis, Iowa, nephews Dean, Austin, Travis and Ethan and nieces MacKenzie, Madison, Kayla, and Jenna.

Doug is preceded in death by his grandparents Dean and Frances Rice, Leo and Jennie Lydon, and stepson Andrew Gibb.

Doug will be laid to rest in the Fontanelle Cemetery. “Don’t grieve for me, for now, I’m free! I followed the plan God laid for me. I saw His face, I heard His call, I took His hand and left it all…” A celebration of life will be held after the funeral at the Old Hotel in Greenfield Iowa.

The family would like to thank and express their gratitude to physicians Dr. Rosenberger, Dr. Harichand and surgeon Dr. Gross and caregivers: dad, Dottie, Daryl, Daisy, Darcy, MacKenzie, Dylan, Mike, Cream and Bri – privileged warriors who honored Doug by burying their sorrow in good deeds, your work is done. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Hope Lodge, Rochester Minnesota, or a cancer support organization of your choice.