PIERRE, SD – Ted Rice,88, of Pierre died on Sunday, July 28th at Edgewood Living in Pierre.

Ted was born in Peoria, Illinois to Blanch Jordan Rice and Claude Rice on September 18, 1935. As a youth, Ted was a Duncan Yo-Yo champ in 1948 and 1949. The hobbies and interests of his early years led to a lifetime as a passionate collector. In addition to Yo-Yo’s, he accumulated collections of Faberge-style eggs, Winchester commemorative rifles, pocket watches, and Tucker cars. He was also a Civil War and Olympic buff and loved movies and wiener dogs.

He attended Bradley University in Peoria majoring in sales and became a successful salesman. He was vice president of sales for Pierre Cardin and Prince Matchabelli in New York City. He was extremely proud of his work and received several awards during his career. Ted had the gift of a “Nose” – he could identify any perfume by smell.

Ted was blessed with JoAnn Valsoano of Rock Island, Illinois who he married in 1966. They lived briefly in Texas, then in Connecticut before retiring back in Peoria in 2008. JoAnn passed in 2020 and Ted moved to Pierre, SD in 2022.

Ted and JoAnn raised 2 sons, Michael of North Carolina and Jon (Sue) of Pierre, SD. He is survived by a brother John of Illinois and sister Jayne of Indiana. He is predeceased by his parents, wife, and sister Carol.

Ted’s family expresses thanks to staff at Edgewood, Avantara, Hospice, and Avera St. Mary’s Hospital for their compassion and care.

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