Mark Wayne Rice, beloved father, brother, friend, and humorist extraordinaire, shuffled off this mortal coil on April 5 th, 2024. Leaving behind a world infinitely duller in his absence at the age of 68.
Born on September 24 th , 1955, in Kansas City, MO, Mark spent his formative years in various towns across Missouri and Nebraska and eventually settled in Omaha, NE. He graduated from Millard High School in 1973 and received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1985. With a heart as big as Memorial Stadium, Mark was a die-hard Huskers fan. Always loyal through wins and losses.
Mark had a passion for music that rivaled his love for Nebraska football. His taste in music was as eclectic as his taste in humor. Whether he was attending concerts of his favorite bands or spinning vinyl records from eras long past, he had a knack for hitting all the right notes. He believed music should be listened to all the way up to 11 and felt just as much as it was heard. His vinyl collection was the envy of audiophiles far and wide, with genres spanning from the Beatles to Primus and everything in between.
But perhaps Mark’s greatest talent was his ability to wield a “dad joke” with surgical precision. His legendary puns, infamous one-liners, and infectious sense of humor brightened the lives of all who knew him.
Mark will be dearly missed by his band of merry misfits, including his daughter Brandis (Pat Fielder) Rice, sisters Elizabeth Cassidy and Denise (Robert) McCauley, sister-in-law’s Barb Rice, and Carol Rice, along with a motley crew of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and fellow music lovers. Proceeded in death by father Billie Rice, mother Theresa Rice, brothers Michael Rice and Lynn Rice, along with a dearly departed band of grandparents, family, and friends. Though his final encore has come to an end, his legacy will live on in the timeless tunes and tall tales he left behind.
In lieu of somber serenades, the family requests that donations be made to LUNGevity Foundation for lung cancer research or a local music education program in Mark’s name, because even in death, he’d want to keep the music playing.
A jam session full of songs and stories in celebration of Mark’s life will be held on April 20th at the Uptown Theater – Broadway Room, 3700 Broadway, Kansas City, MO from 1pm-5pm. Come wearing your favorite Band, Nebraska or Chiefs apparel as we pay tribute to a man whose laughter and love were the ultimate chart-toppers.
Rock on in peace, dear Mark. Your symphony of silliness and soulful laughter will echo in our hearts for eternity.
With a final chord of gratitude, “Go Big Red.”
We were both filled with great sadness at the news of Mark’s passing. I went to high school with Mark, and we always had a great time together! We both remember Mark’s love of music and enjoyed it loud & often! Rock On Mark! Steve (Merri) Rader
My deepest condolences. I’ve known Mark for about 20 years and he was a cornerstone of our little party group up north. He always added his own unique brand of humor and snarkiness which I will deeply miss.