Rita Masbruch

Rita F. Masbruch, 94, of Platteville, WI died Tuesday, July 7, 2026.  Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday, July 12, 2026 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville.  Rev. Jasmine Tesdahl will officiate.  Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of the service.  Burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery, Platteville, at a later date.  Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Rita was born October 10, 1931, the daughter of Raymond and Lorraine (Cloos) Close in Springbrook, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Wilbur Masbruch on October 7, 1950, at Nativity Catholic Church, Dubuque, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on March 27, 2016.  Rita worked at the UW-Platteville Glenview Commons, retiring as the Food Service Manager.  During her reign, the Chicago Bears training camp was held at UW-P.  She decorated many cakes for the players.    

Rita was a member of the Lutheran Church of Peace.  She believed strongly in Blood Donation and had donated 20 gallons over her lifetime.  She loved water skiing on the Mississippi, dancing, bowling and the occasional Miller Lite.  Rita also enjoyed doing a little financial therapy at the casino in Dubuque.  She played multiple slots at a time.  Her very favorite thing to do was spend time with family.  A fun thing she did was mail birthday cards to her grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dear friends with shiny pennies for however many years old they were.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Karen (Lucky) Holzwarth, grandchildren, Elliot Holzwarth and Lindsay (Nick) Diny and great-grandchildren, Finley, Aven and Lincoln Holzwarth and Myka and Elynor Diny.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, siblings, Raymond Jr., Michael, Arnie, Richie, Clete, Bill, Joe, Davie and Donnie Cloos, Mary Engling and Frieda Rettenberger.