Rita Schaefer

Rita Schaefer

September 16, 1932 - June 14, 2023

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Obituary

Rita E. Schaefer, 90, of Platteville, Wisconsin, died on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM, Monday, June 19, 2023 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Platteville, WI. Father John Blewett will officiate. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Platteville. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Monday, at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, where there will be a parish rosary at 8:45 AM. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Rita was born on September 16, 1932 in Kieler, Wisconsin, daughter of Arnold and Lorena (Brant) Wiederholt. She was united in marriage to Jerome Schaefer on January 16, 1951 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kieler, WI. He preceded her in death on January 29, 1987. Rita worked at the Dubuque Packing Company, and after getting married, she worked alongside her husband, Jerome, farming for many years while continuing to raise her family. Later on she worked in food service at UW-Platteville. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Platteville, where she gave of her time and talents for many years. She enjoyed going on bus trips and her daily coffee clutch group at McDonald's. Rita's main focus in life was her family, and especially spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be forever missed by all who knew and loved her.

Rita is survived by six children, Jerry (Gail) Schaefer, Dennis “Butch” (Sandy) Schaefer, Karen Humphrey, Jane (Kevin) Neller, Marilyn (Kevin) Wall and Ron (Barb) Schaefer; 8 grandchildren; Chad Schaefer, Chelsea Becwar, Amy (Nick) Olsen, DeAnne (Mike) Spalla, Taylor Wall, Krista, Kate (fiance, Katelyn Mathews) and Jay Schaefer; 6 great-grandchildren; Harper Olsen, Landon and Hudson Spalla, Kenzie, Trenton and Luke Regan, one sister, Mariella Schmitz, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerome, her parents, Arnold and Lorena Wiederholt, her grandson, Jeremy Schaefer, her brother, Gene Wiederholt and several brothers and sisters-in-laws. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr John Whalen and his staff at Grand River Medical Group in Dubuque, IA, as well as the staff at Park Place Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice in Platteville, WI, for all the care and kindness shown to Rita and her family.

 

 

 

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Rita
JS
Jim Schmitz
Other •
God rest your soul Aunt Rita ❤️
EF
Eisbrenner Family
Other •
Our sincere condolences to Rita’s family. Rita touched many lives and will be thought of often. May all your good memories out weigh your sadness during this difficult time. Something that we have personally experienced to be of great comfort are the thoughts expressed in the Bible at John 5:28 “all those in the memorial tombs will hear his (Jesus Christ) voice and come out “. The death of a loved one is extremely painful but have faith in God Jehovah’s promise of a resurrection.
JC
Joan Curran
Other •
To the family of Aunt Rita Schaefer, Our sincere sympathy on the death of Aunt Rita. We thought so much of her. She had the sweetest personality. Wish we could have visited her more often. We hope fond memories of her help you cope during this difficult time. Love, Cousin Joan and husband John Curran. Aunt Gen Biba
H
harper
Other •
I miss you a lot. You were always such a bright person and could always bring a smile to someone. I hope god is taking good care of you

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