Bob E. Rice

SUTHERLAND, SCHLAPKOHL, BLACK, TISH

Posted By: James C. Murphy (email)
Date: 1/4/2012 at 07:27:42

Bob E. Rice

Des Moines

Bob E. Rice, 77, passed away on December 23, 2011 at his home. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at New Hope Assembly of God Church with burial following at Masonic Cemetery.

Bobby was born January 21, 1934 the son of Edward and Beula Rice in Des Moines. He graduated from North High School in 1952. He joined the Army being honorably discharged in 1956. He worked in the bailiffs' office before being elected Polk County Sheriff in 1976. Bob was the longest serving sheriff in the 150 year existence of Polk County. An accomplishment Bob was very proud of was becoming the 9th office in the U.S. to receive the Triple Crown award of accreditation when it was bestowed in 1993. He had been President of the Iowa State's Sheriff's Assoc. and the National Sheriff's Assoc. and received the Sheriff of the Year Award as well as many other prestigious awards throughout his career. Bob was a member of the Za Ga Zig Shrine. He enjoyed coaching his daughters' softball teams and was very involved with all their sports. He was a competitive golfer and loved playing with his friends and family.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Brenda Ann (Larry) Sutherland, Rhonda Ann (Merle) Schlapkohl, Tamla Ann (James) Black and Bobbi Ann Rice; step daughter, Robyn Tish; seven grandchildren; and sister, Dr. Bonnie L. Rice. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Ann Rice; and second wife, Jacque Rice.

The family will greet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at New Hope Assembly of God Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Za Ga Zig Shrine Children's Hospital.

Published in Des Moines Register on December 25, 2011