Brandon James Rice

Brandon James Rice, age 35, passed away on February 23rd, 2024, at UW Hospital in Madison, WI. He was born in Madison on August 1st, 1988, to Kim & George Rice. Brandon grew up on Lake Waubesa, and in Oregon, WI, and then spent his life in Madison. 

Brandon was generous, funny, and loyal, and had many friends and family he loved to spend time with. He always adored his big sister Lindsay. He had a big heart and was a kind, gentle soul ever since he was a baby. He loved animals, especially the various dogs and cats who were companions to him throughout his entire life. Brandon enjoyed riding bikes, boating, swimming, fishing, trampolines, attending music festivals, traveling, crypto & stocks, and cheering for the Packers & Badgers. He was especially talented with his hands and could build or put together just about anything. Brandon loved his 4 children more than anything in the world. He was a loving & involved dad, and he enjoyed teaching all his kids to ride bikes, taking them to the park, taking them to the Dells, and playing outside. He wasn't afraid to get down on the floor with them and build Legos, play Barbies, and build racetracks. He cuddled and read books and rocked them to sleep when they were babies. He loved teaching the older boys how to drive boats & cars. He was very proud of all his kids’ accomplishments and would tell everyone and post them on Facebook. Brandon lost his life to addiction, but he was able to save 3 other lives through organ donation. He would have been very proud of that. We will always remember Brandon for the sweet, sensitive, down-to-earth person he truly was. 

Brandon is survived by his mother Kim Rice, father George Rice, stepmother Janice Rice, sister Lindsay Kokesh (Rice), brother-in-law Kyle Kokesh, nephew Liam Kokesh, stepsister Kiana Beaudin, and his 4 amazing children: his sons Thayden Nelson, Donaven Rice, & Treysen Rice, and his daughter Ariyah Rice. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and countless friends. Brandon is preceded in death by his beloved maternal grandparents Leonard & Janet Andersen, his paternal grandparents Marie & George Rice Sr., and many good friends he lost along the way. 

A Celebration of Brandon's Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison. Family will greet friends from 2 p.m. until the time of service.  

In lieu of flowers etc., a memorial fund has been set up in Brandon's honor, and 100% of donations will go to his 4 children. Increased financial stability will help them build meaningful, stable lives. Our family very much appreciates any contributions of any size. We are humbled by the outpouring of love & support we have received. There are several ways you can donate:

Cash app: $BrandonsKidsFund

(Account is under Kim Rice)

Venmo: @Brandonskidsfund

(Account is under Kim Rice, if it asks you for last 4 digits of phone # it's 6310) 

Mail a check or drop off check or cash to any Heartland Credit Union, made out to Kim Rice, with "Brandon's Kids Fund" in the check memo. If mailing a check, please send to:

Brandon's Kids Fund

c/o account holder Kim Rice

Heartland Credit Union

105 Enterprise Dr.

Verona, WI 53953

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406