Robert "Bob" Rice, 66, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Sunday, July 10, 2022, at Bryan Medical Center East Campus in Lincoln, Nebraska. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 13, at 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home in Columbus. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until service time. Bob will be cremated after the service and a private family burial will take place. Memorials may be directed to the Paws & Claws Adoption Center (2124 13th St, Columbus, NE 68601). The service will be broadcast live on Gass Haney Funeral Home Facebook page beginning around 7:00 PM on Wednesday.

Robert (Bob) Louis Rice was born on February 10, 1956, to Donald D. and Lois F. (Hoppe) Rice in Columbus, Nebraska. Bob grew up in a military family whose travels took him to live in many locations some of which are Oceanside, CA; Norfolk, VA; and Yuma, AZ. After high school, Bob moved back to Columbus where he met Jeanne Boyle. Bob and Jeanne were married on March 29, 1980, in Columbus. Bob was a machinist at several of the manufacturing companies in Columbus, NE. After retirement, Bob went on to start Iron Bob Antiques and Native Woods.

Bob took pride in being a descendant of Jacob Louis one of the founders of Columbus. Bob loved his family, gardening, golfing, and his cats. Bob was a skilled craftsman creating beautiful cutting boards, trivets, jewelry boxes, charcuterie boards, and tables with unparalleled craftsmanship.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jeanne of Columbus, son Tyler (Rachel) Rice of Omaha, father Donald D. Rice of Kearney, sisters Michele, Dawn, and Maurine and their families of Albuquerque, NM, in-laws Susan Fakhrai of Albuquerque, NE; John (Mary) Boyle of Allen, TX; and numerous cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by all his grandparents, mother Lois Kimbrel, and in-laws Richard and Betty Boyle.