Joseph “Joe” M. Rice, 18, of Winnebago, IL passed away on November 5, 2022. He was born on November 29, 2003 in Rockford, IL to Jennifer Unger. Joe was the greatest son, grandson, nephew, cousin, student, and friend anyone could ever ask for. He played Jr. Tackle football for the Ken-Rock/Boys and Girls Club of Rockford, Booker, Winnebago, and went on to play football for Winnebago High School. Joe wrestled for the Rockford Wrestling team for many years and went on to wrestle for Winnebago Middle School and Winnebago High School. In 8th grade he was 1st in Regionals and Sectionals and went on to State. Joe graduated from Winnebago High School in 2022. He worked for Portillo's and was currently working for UPS and attending the Welding program through Rockford Career College. Joe was a member of Crossroads Community Church in Winnebago, IL where he was baptized into the Lord. He enjoyed fixing up his Mazda RX8 and was hoping to get it into many car shows in the future. Joe enjoyed many journeys in the Big Truck with his Papa to Florida to see the alligators. He had a huge heart but his most important role was being the best big brother to his sister Annabel. Joe was able to make the ultimate sacrifice and give the greatest gift of all, he donated all of his organs and tissue to loving families. Joe will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
Joe is survived by his mom, Jennifer (Brian Miller) Wagner; his sister, Anabel; his brother, Thomas; his Nanny and Papa, Becky and Greg Armstrong; his girlfriend, Kailey Bramble and her family; his uncles, Jeremey (Nicole) Unger, Josh (Elizabeth) Unger, Justin (Elisa) Unger, and Anthony Armstrong; his aunts, Shelly Unger, Nicole Hammer, Julie McClain, and Shanna Unger; his Godson, Jaxson Unger; his cousins, Samantha, Tyler, Daisy, Heidi, Kylie, Chloe, Sebastian, Lilly, Jaxson, Brady, Olivia, Asir, Judith, Alex, Harmony, and Haley; his great aunts, Brenda (David) Thompson and Beth (Matt) Turner; many extended cousins; and his furry companion, Mr. Meow.
He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, John Orson Unger and Patricia D. Unger; and his dogs, Trixie, Cookie, and Peanut.
Celebration of Joe’s Life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Crossroads Community Church, 600 Highland Dr. Winnebago, IL 61088. Memorial Visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the start of service. Following the service Family and Friends are invited to go back to Joe’s house for a continued Celebration at 9153 West State Road, Winnebago, IL 61088. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Joe’s GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/d146fbb6 or in his account at German-American State Bank, Winnebago, IL.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.advantagefunerals.com for the Rice family.
