Linda Marie Rice, age 68, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2025, surrounded by love.
Born on March 11, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, to Robert and Nancy Rice, Linda was a force of compassion, resilience, and unwavering devotion. She graduated with honors from Burlington Central High School and went on to pursue her calling in nursing, earning her associate degree from St. Anthony’s School of Nursing in Rockford, Illinois. Her deep empathy and skillful care were hallmarks of a 30-year career, during which she served as an OB and dialysis nurse in hospitals across the country.
In 1990, Linda answered a higher call and enlisted in the United States Navy. She served with distinction for over eight years as a Lieutenant Commander in the Nurse Corps, providing care to service members and their families with courage and commitment. During her military service, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jacksonville University, a testament to her drive and dedication to lifelong learning.
Linda’s proudest role was that of mother. She poured her heart into raising her three sons—Scott, Pat, and Ryan—always their fiercest advocate and biggest fan. The tragic loss of her son Scott in 2003 was a heartbreak that never left her, but she carried his memory with grace and strength.
Linda will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Pat (Kerri) and Ryan (Xoua); her fiancé, Tom Ferber; and her cherished granddaughters Kira and Brianna Petit. She is also survived by her stepmother Liz Rice, her siblings Kim (Robert) Kirk, Terry (Tim) Puchley, and Bob (Debra) Rice, her nephews Casey (Katrina) and Chase Kirk, her nieces Cleary and Sof Puchley; and two stepbrothers, John Paul and Tony Vail.
She is reunited in eternal peace with her beloved parents Robert and Nancy, her son Scott, and her sister Jennifer.
A celebration of Linda’s life will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Proko Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by services at 2:00 p.m. concluding with military honors.
Linda lived a life of purpose, service, and unconditional love. Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched—with every baby she helped deliver, every patient she comforted, every sailor she served besides, and every family member who now carries her light forward.
