David E. Rice

David E. Rice, 58, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away peacefully to meet his Lord the evening of December 31, 2023 at home, surrounded by his immediate family, after fighting a courageous battle against cancer. He was the husband of Karen Takuski Rice, who faithfully and lovingly took care of him until the end. David was born on November 17, 1965, to Dorothy Rice DePalma and Lawrence David Rice. He was predeceased by his stepfather, Joseph DePalma; grandparents, Joshua and Carrie Rice of Mountaindale; and Howard and Grace Surbey of Littlestown, Pennsylvania.

David was the proud father of his daughters, Abigail, Emily, and Allison Rice, whom he loved and adored. He is survived by his three daughters and beloved wife, Karen, as well as his mother, Dorothy; father, Lawrence; stepson, Cavon Wilcox; son-in-law, Robert Luther (Abigail); sister, Gwen Rice Edwards, and her husband, Kenny Edwards of Smithsburg, Maryland; brother, Galen Rice, and his wife Marian Rice of Midlothian, Virginia; sister-in-law, Cheryl Takuski-Thomas, and her husband, David Thomas; and brother-in-law, Michael Takuski. David is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Jason Beard Ogle, Brian Ogle, Kaitlyn Ogle, Amanda Rice Dennis, Joshua Rice, and numerous other extended family members.

David was a charter member of Emmanuel Alliance Church and member of Frederick Christian Fellowship Church. He played in many church and recreational league sports during his lifetime, including baseball, football, softball and volleyball. He was a 1983 graduate of Governor Thomas Johnson High School and was a proud athlete in many different sports during all four years, most notably in football, where he took part in their 1982-1983 Maryland State Championship victory. He shared his love of sports with his girls, and even coached them in tee-ball and volleyball for many years. The girls played a variety of sports and David could always be found in the stands cheering them on. He was also an avid Redskins fan.

David was employed for over twenty-two years at State Farm Insurance where he held different positions and developed his trade skills as a contractor. David could repair and build almost anything and, in 2006, he began his eighteen-year business as a “Mr. Fix-It” under the name House to Home Improvements. He was known for his kind, helpful spirit, bright eyes, and contagious smile.

Ever since childhood, David enjoyed spending time at Summit Grove Camp in New Freedom, Pennsylvania with friends and family. He enjoyed many hobbies such as fishing, upcycling furniture, biking, occasional squirrel hunting, collecting interesting knick knacks, eating Carman’s Creamery homemade ice cream, and having outdoor critter pets such as turtles and koi fish. David loved to always have a project and shared a special closeness with his long-time friend Pete Puntigam and Karen’s nephew, Davie Thomas, both of whom were his right-hand companions when it came to work and projects. He also loved plants, farming, and gardening, and was known for keeping the common, public areas around his house beautifully landscaped and clean for everyone to enjoy. David lived by the phrase “leave a place better than you found it,” and his legacy is a testament to that positive impact he’s made in the lives of so many.

The family will recieve friends at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, Maryland 21072 on Friday, January 12, 2024 from 5:00-8:00 PM and his funeral will take place at the same location on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 12:30 PM. Private interment will be at Mountaindale Brethren Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be sent to:

Summit Grove Camp & Retreat Center
New Freedom, PA 17349
summitgrovecamp.org