Obituary of Martha Flueck Rice

Martha Flueck Rice, age 83, passed away on November 22, 2023. Preceded in death by her parents Walter and Bernice Flueck, brother John and husband Jeffrey Rice. Marty is survived by her sister Betty Lillard and brother-in-law Ross Lillard, step-children Kimberly (Dave) and Michael Rice, daughter-in-law Katja Linfield and granddaughters Zoe, Maya, and Gabriella, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Marty grew up in Elm Grove, Wisconsin, graduated from Brookfield Central High School and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Marty moved to Minneapolis after graduation and was employed by Pillsbury, Prudential, and then Allianz. Marty met Jeff in Minneapolis, and they married in 1980. Together, they built a log cabin on the Yellow River in Wisconsin. They cherished their time at the cabin and enjoyed entertaining their family and friends there.

Marty was vivacious, spirited and enthusiastic with a stubborn streak and strong opinions which she readily shared. Marty embraced her Swiss heritage through any and all stories about the adventures of her Flueck grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles. Marty was always positive, kind and caring. She was a strong supporter and ardent fan of the Minnesota Orchestra. She enjoyed skiing, knitting colorful wool socks, being a sous chef for Jeff, and especially spending time with her “grandgirlies”.

Post retirement, Marty volunteered in organizations that supported her interests and passions. At the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery, she rocked and played with babies. Marty was passionate about preserving and restoring the biodiversity of MN native plants and served as chapter president of Wild Ones and on the National Board. Later, she became President Emeritus of the Twin Cities Chapter. Her mantra was: “Plant native plants. They have long roots and are more drought tolerant.” When at their cabin on the Yellow River, Marty spent much of her time as a volunteer at the Forts Folle Avione.

A memorial service will be held Monday, January 8, 2024, at 2pm, at the Cremation Society of MN, 7110 France Ave., Edina, MN 55435

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Minnesota Orchestra, www.minnesotaorchestra.org, the Wild Ones Twin Cities Chapter,www.wildonestwincities.org , or Forts Folle Avoine, www.theforts.org.