Rachel M. Rice, age 38, of Hanover, died at the Buffalo Hospital on May 5, 2026, after a sudden medical event.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 11, 2026, at Northwest Bible Church in St. Michael with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Kevin Feder will officiate. Burial will follow at Zion Methodist Cemetery in Hanover. Memorials are preferred to the family.

Rachel Marie Rice was born on August 16, 1987, in Storm Lake, Iowa to Edward and Dorinda (Dirks) Brenner. Rachel grew up in Alta, Iowa, where she graduated with the Class of 2006 from Alta High School. Her passion for education led her to earn an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Rachel dedicated her short career to nurturing young minds as a preschool teacher at Foundation Hill Montessori, in Plymouth and Kids Grow in Rogers.

On June 17, 2017, Rachel celebrated her love for life and family by marrying Eric Rice in a beautiful ceremony at Pebble Creek in Becker. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home in Hanover, where Rachel found profound joy in raising their son, Owen, showering him with love and guidance.

Rachel was deeply rooted in her faith, having attended Church of Christ in Alta during her upbringing and later Northwest Bible Church in St. Michael. Her heart had an extraordinary gift for connecting with others-she reveled in the simple pleasures of visiting with friends and family, sharing laughter with her nieces and nephews, and creating lasting memories with those she loved.

A woman of many passions, Rachel enjoyed traveling, crafting, and painting, infusing her life with creativity and adventure. Above all, she cherished the moments spent with others, her radiant spirit bringing warmth and joy to every gathering. She will be remembered for the warmth of her smile, the kindness of her heart, and the joy she brought into our lives.

Rachel is survived by her husband, Eric; son, Owen; parents, Ed and Dori Brenner of Alta, IA; parents-in-law, Bob and Karen Rice of Buffalo; grandparents, Sandi and Lorray Jepp; grandmother-in-law, Sue Rice; brother, Brandon (Amanda) Brenner of Alta, IA; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Amy (Zack) Baker of Hesperia, MI, Andrew (Hannah) Rice of Buffalo, Nathan Rice of Montrose, and Daniel Rice of Buffalo; nieces and nephews, Allen, Maria, Ava, Bristol, Paytyn, Harper, Daynia, Sarah, Liam and Elsie; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mary and Joseph Brenner, and Darold Dirks; grandparents-in-law, Ken and Jan Christensen, Richard Rice, and Duane Oelschlaeger; and great-grandparents.

The casket bearers will be Andrew, Nathan and Daniel Rice, Allen, Paytyn, Ava and Bristol Brenner, and Maria Caterino. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.

Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and Service Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com