Jerry Rice

Jerry Rice

June 1, 1934 - Jan. 16, 2023

CAMBRIDGE, Neb. — Jerry Rice, age 88, of Cambridge, passed away at Cambridge Memorial Hospital on Jan. 16, 2023. He was born in Oswego, Kan., on June 1, 1934, to Homer E. and Jewell F (Hardin) Rice. His early childhood memories were with his grandparents on the farm in Chetopa, Kan. The family later moved to Norton, Kan., where he attended school. Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 11, 1952, at the age of 17. He served on the U.S.S. Los Angeles CA135 Heavy Cruiser during the Korean War. Jerry was honorably discharged on Oct. 13, 1954.

Jerry was united in marriage to Crystal Jurey in Norton, Kan., on Jan. 12, 1955. The couple moved to Cambridge in 1958, when Jerry was hired by the City of Cambridge. He later began work at the Twin Valley Public Power District as a lineman. He advanced and became a crew chief and retired after 33 years as the operations manager. On Jerry’s 80th birthday, he donned his lineman belt and climbing hooks and climbed a training pole!

Jerry was a member of the Cambridge American Legion, the USS Los Angeles CA135 Association, and the Men’s Recreational Card Club. In his younger years, Jerry belonged to the Pathfinder’s Motorcycle Club. He and Crystal rode to Sturgis many times on his prized Harley. Jerry enjoyed All Star Wrestling, old western movies and television series, some of his favorites being John Wayne, Gunsmoke, and Cheyenne.

He was preceded in death by Crystal, his wife of 33 years in 1988; parents, Homer and Jewell; sister, Harriet Schroeder; and brother-in-law, Bob Underwood.

Jerry is survived by his three daughters, Tami (Greg) Tetley of Cambridge, Deb (Dale) Helms of Holbrook and Jeri Dawn (Kelly) Powell of Cambridge; son, Doug (Laura) Rice of Loveland, Colo.; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Virginia Underwood of Norton, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, 2 p.m., at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary with Jim Jones officiating. Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery of Cambridge with Military Honors performed by the Naval Honors Detail. Per Jerry’s request, the casket will be closed to the public.

Friends may leave online condolences at lockenourfh.com. Memorials may be left in Jerry’s name to the Tri Valley Health System Wellness Center. Lockenour-Jones Mortuary entrusted with arrangements.