George W. Rice died Thursday, October 23, in his home. He was 85.

Rice was born in Minneapolis, Minn., Sept. 14, 1918. After graduating from the University of Minnesota he served in World War II.

A well-known journalist and editorial writer in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, he became a familiar face on the CBS affiliate television station WCCO as the editorial commentator.

He left WCCO in 1970 to run for Congress as the Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate and lost a close election to Republican Bill Frenzel. He then joined the editorial staff of the St. Paul Pioneer Press where he was an expert on Middle East and other international issues.

After he retired he and his wife Elfi moved to Vashon Island in 1991.

Survivors include his wife, wife, sons William and Charles, daughter Martha, stepson Chris Terp and four grandchildren.

A celebration of his life was held at the Rice home last Sunday.