ZACHARY, La. — Owen Michael “Mike” Rice, 67, of Zachary, La., died peacefully Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010, surrounded by his family.

Memorial Mass will be at 7 p.m. Friday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with the Rev. M. Jeffery Bayhi officiating.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until service time Friday at the church.

Mr. Rice was born April 13, 1943, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Harry and Marie Rice. He grew up in Elmhurst, Ill., and was a resident of Zachary and Huntley, Ill. He was a retired systems operator with DEMCO. Mr. Rice was also a U.S. Navy veteran of Vietnam.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 40 years, Alice Leona Rice nee Lanehart; one grandson, Jacob Brien Johnston; one stepson, Eric Bucholz; and his parents.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Sue Bucholz Rice nee Fitzpatrick; three beloved children, Paula Kay Johnston and husband, Lewis, Sheena Hendry and husband, Justin Jay, and Michael Langly Rice and wife, Diane, all of Wilkinson County; two stepchildren, Sarah Jane Kazluski and husband, Keith, of Poplar Grove, Ill., and Emily Noel Lutz and husband, William, of Katy, Texas; one sister, Mary Carol Luisi and husband, Vince, of Huntley; one sister-in-law, Marilyn Rice of Neighborville, Ill.; he was cherished pawpaw to Ashley Maree Rice, Spenser Katherine Rice, Rachel Marie Lipke-Rice, Owen Wendell Rice, Sarah Coleen Hendry, Jessica Marie Hendry and Allison Elizabeth Hendry; special oney to Isabella and Katrina Kazluski and Billy and Allison Lutz; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkway Baptist Church Relay for Life Team, 117 Seargent S. Prentiss Drive, Natchez, MS 39120, St. Joseph Hospice, 10615 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, or for Masses.

Online condolences may be sent to www.CharletFuneralHome.com.