Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Carole Rice
Our beloved mother and grandmother, Carole Marion Rice, passed away in her sleep early in the morning of March 30, 2026, at Dove Healthcare in Osseo.
Carole was born on August 2, 1940, in Waukesha, WI, to Gordon and Margaret (Lund) Bloom. She was baptized on June 18, 1941, in Osseo. The family returned to Price in 1945. Carole graduated from Fairchild High School in 1958, where, during her high school years, she played alto saxophone in the band, was a majorette, served as editor of the high school newspaper, and was named prom queen.
Carole married Dean Claflin on February 14, 1959, in Neillsville, WI. Their paths crossed at Bloom’s Tavern in Price, which was owned by Carole’s parents and managed by Dean’s parents, Dick and Mary. The couple lived for a short time in Madison and La Crosse before returning to the Price area. Together, they had two daughters, Pam and Jennie.
After graduation, Carole worked at West Publishing in the Twin Cities. Later, she worked at the Tri-County News and spent over 20 years in the business office at the Osseo Hospital with several colleagues who became dear friends.
Carole married Brennan Rice on August 17, 1982, in Kewaunee, WI, and they shared 22 years of marriage before Brennan’s death. Brennan and Carole spent many years summering in Algoma at the Big Lake Campground and fishing on Lake Michigan. They also owned Carole’s Trees, raising and selling Christmas trees, with Carole creating handmade wreaths and centerpieces each season.
Carole found joy in the simple pleasures of life, from tending her vegetable garden and flower beds, playing piano, participating in bowling leagues with friends, and fishing. She treasured time spent with family and friends, whether hosting family gatherings, playing cards, or relaxing on the deck overlooking Lake Martha.
Carole is survived by her daughters, Pamela Claflin of Osseo and Jennifer (Tim) Nelson of Chippewa Falls; grandchildren, Kellie Claflin of Columbus, OH, Megan (Chris) Marshall of Johnson Creek, Lindsey (Trent) Miller of Altoona, and Alex Nelson of Chippewa Falls; two great grandsons, Benny and Eli Marshall, with a third great-grandchild arriving in May; sisters Janice (John) Fryatt of Waukesha, Deborah (Dally) Peterson of Fairchild and Vicki Walker of Fairchild; Brennan’s daughter Beth (Mike) Woods of Arizona and her children, Angela, Shanessy, Anne, and Michael; and several dear nieces and nephews and cousins.
Carole was preceded in death by Brennan; her parents, Gordon and Margaret Bloom; brothers, Roger and Gary Bloom; brother-in-law, Butch Walker; and Brennan’s sister and brother-in-law, Audrey and Tom Bush.
Services will be Saturday, April 4, 2026, at South Beef River Church in Osseo at 1 p.m. Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Burial at Hillcrest Cemetery and a celebration of life at Off Road Bar and Grill (formerly Bloom’s Tavern) will follow.
A special thanks to the staff at Dove Healthcare in Osseo and Moments Hospice for their care of Carole.
Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com
