Passed Away On: 2017-07-06 00:00:00
Donald (Don) F. Brice passed away peacefully on July 6, 2017, in Hollister, CA. He was born in Laurel, Nebraska, in 1924 to parents Allie Erwin & Mary Louise Brice. Don was a WWII Veteran, having served in the Navy as a radio operator in the Pacific area.
In April 1946, Don married the love of his life, Lois Freerks. Together they set off on a journey across the country managing five Kresge Stores in Wisconsin, Colorado and Illinois. In1962, they moved to Hollister where they purchased and managed their first variety store, Rasco, from 1962-1966. They then purchased and managed the Rasco store in Watsonville from 1966-1976. In 1979, Don started a new career as a school bus driver for the Hollister School District, retiring in 2005.
Shortly after purchasing the Watsonville store, a little boy (Jerry) entered into the Brices’ lives, and they honored him by loving him, “adopting” him and giving him his best life and memories ever. During their time together, they worked, played hard, and shared many wonderful times.
Don’s hobbies included his train sets and being a ham radio operator. He was a born-again Christian, having put his faith in Jesus Christ. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and served faithfully as a deacon and usher for many years.
Don is survived by his adopted son Jerry Skoglund, sister Alma Jones, nieces Geri VanMuyden, Tamara Figlar and Teresa Axe, and nephew Charles Jones. He was preceded in death by his wife Lois and brothers Harold and Roland.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Hollister VFW (649 San Benito Street, Hollister, CA 95023) or Calvary Baptist Church (1900 Highland Drive, Hollister, CA 95023), or to your favorite charity.
Note included in obituary from family:
THANKS TO THE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HELPED US IN OUR TIME OF NEED. SPECIAL THANKS TO JACK AND JUDY PERDUE; WE LOVE YOU! DEAN AND SUZI HALLBERG, YOUR GENEROSITY AND LOVE ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED. DON WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL.
DON BRICE AND FAMILY
Graveside services will be on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the IOOF Cemetery with military rites performed by VFW Post 9242.
Memorial services will follow the graveside services at Calvary Baptist Church, 1900 Highland Drive, Hollister, CA at 3:30 PM.
Obituary provided by Black-Cooper Sander Funeral Home