John William Bice, 74, of Rugby, ND, passed away on October 23, 2021.

Born on February 14, 1947, in Vermillion, South Dakota, he was the son of David Frank Bice and Bonnie Belle (Collar) Bice. He was raised on their family farm by Vermillion. He graduated from Vermillion High School. He obtained an Associates's Degree in Accounting from Williston State College.

As an adult, he lived in Sioux City, NE, Glasgow, MT, Fairview, MT, Williston, ND, Thief River Falls, MN, and Rugby, ND.

He enlisted in the Army National Guard right after completing high school. He served from 1966-1979, and the highest rank held was a SSG. He worked as a Personnel SP and a Medical SP during his enlistment. His last assignment was held at Trp B 1/163 ARMD CAV at the MT-ARNG-Armor in Sidney, MT.

He worked at Wilson Trailers in Iowa. He was honorably discharged from the Army NG and then worked for Richland County in Sidney, MT as a welder until 1987. He also managed the Elks Club and was a member from 1978-1980 in Sidney, MT. From 1988-1995, he worked at Williston State College.

On December 24, 1977, John married Jennie Marie (Lill) Slade, and they were together until his passing.

He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church while in Fairview, MT.

John's hobbies included fishing and hunting with his sons, reading the "Louis L'Amour" series books, and watching westerns, mostly John Wayne movies & Mash. John had a love for horses, which he acquired from his uncle Virgil Collar back in SD. When not fishing or hunting, he cherished spending time with his wife, children, and many grandchildren. He always bragged about how much his family meant the world to him. He also served as President of the Rugby Senior center from 2018-2019 and enjoyed calling Bingo!

John was preceded in death by both his parents and two brothers, Tom and Ron.

Survivors: son, Mike (Lisa) Slade, Thief River MN; daughter, Kandi Ray, San Antonio TX; son; Wes (Renae) Slade, Williston, ND; son, Shawn Bice, Williston, ND; daughter, Tamra Kragness, Tekoa, WA. Seven grandchildren: Ashley, Jarrette, Amanda, Landon, Alex, Robbie, and Cody. Seven great-grandchildren: Zayden, Aralynn, Blake, Delysia, Harper, Reagan, Ireland and his sister, Janelle.

A celebration of life and interment will take place at a later date.

To show your support send condolences to the family, c/o Jennie Bice, 115 3 ^rd St. Apt. 5, Rugby, ND 58378.