Marcus Craig Rife Sr., 48, of Lincoln, NE entered into eternal rest on January 30, 2011. Marcus was born on December 9, 1962 in Lincoln, NE to Pearl Leaks and William Rife. He was employed by the City of Lincoln, Public Works, Street Maintenance Division for 20 years. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge #3, as well as the City of Lincoln PAGE Union and was a dedicated and proud Boy Scout Leader for Pack 51and Scout Master for Troop 1.
Survived by his loving family, wife, Laura; children, Marcus, Jr. (Neicha), Brittany, Ashley; granddaughter Aaliyah; mother, Pearl Leaks, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Preceded in death by father, William Rife; sister, Alisa Leaks; brother, Adrian Rife; Grandparents Reverend & Mrs. Leaks and Mr. & Mrs. Lester Colliers, Sr.; Aunt, Murvia Walker; Uncle, Lester Colliers, Jr.; Cousins, Carl Mosley and Noelle Sauer; Great Uncle and Aunt Mr. & Mrs. Roy Brown.
Funeral Service: 11 am Saturday, February 5, 2011 at Wyuka Funeral Home. Visitation: Friday February 4, 2011. 12pm-9pm. Family present from 6pm-8pm.
Pallbearers: Cedric Payne, Thomas Christie, Terry McWilliams, Leroy Stokes, Dan Richards, Patrick Spangler. Honorary Pallbearers: Keith McWilliams, Terry Temple, Darrel Temple, Yohance Christie and Ronnie Smith.
Memorials accepted to Clyde Malone Center in lieu of flowers.
Laura–I am so sorry. Your family is in my prayers.
Laura and family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of healing. Hold tight to all your good memories of Marcus Sr. as you go through this period. Marcus was a wonderful man and father and he will be missed.
Gene & Linda Crump
I am a life-long employee of Veyance Technologies Inc. (formerly Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.) in Lincoln. Until last year when due to demographics Boyscout Troop #1 had to be disbanded, I’d been the Souting Coordinator for over 4 decades. My association with Marcus arose over the past several years from his ardent ivnolvement with our Boyscout Troop as he worked to keep the Troop active. Marcus endeared himself to the Boyscout Motto “Be Prepared” – like the words from Baden-Powell the founder of Scouting, Marcus also believed all Scouts should prepare themselves to become productive citizens and to give happiness to other people. He wanted each Scout to be ready in mind and body for any struggles, and to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges might lie ahead. Marcus Rife left his mark in his short lifetime through the lives of those he touched through Scouting. God bless you, Marcus Rife.
Laura, please know that you and your family will be in our prayers at this difficult time. I am so sorry that we did not get to have our Rife family reunion. Marcus was always in support of our gatherings. He will be greatly missed.
To the family:
On behalf of the Clyde Malone Community Center, our deepest sympathy goes out to Laura and Marcus’ family.
•God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered “come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
I’m so sorry for you loss and you are all in my prayers. Love you guys.
Dear Brittany and Family,
It was with a great sense of loss when I heard of Marcus’s death. I wanted to let you and your family know that my heart is truly saddened.
Marcus was more than just a wonderful person; he was also kind and considerate and cared deeply for all of the Rife family. He was my good friend and Masonic Brother. We shared many good times and positive experiences as fellow Masons.
His passing will not only leave a void in our lives, but in the hearts of all those who knew him. Marcus will always remain within my heart and he will be missed.
If there is anything that I can do to help you and your family in anyway, please do not hesitate to call me at anytime. Regrettably, I will be out of town at the time of Marcus’s funeral but you can phone me at (402.417.5079) anytime to talk or if you or you family need my help with anything.
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and the Rife family.
With deepest sympathy,
Vaughn Robertson
Laura,
I am so sorry for your loss. There aren’t any words to help with the pain right now, but I know that time will make your memories brighter and the pain will become bearable. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Sorry to hear about Marcus.The short time we had we shared was precious and treasured.God be with you.
Laura & Family–Sorry about the loss of your husband and father. We will miss Marcus. Please let us know if we can help you in any way. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.