Rita M. Welschmeyer, age 92, of Freeburg, Missouri, peacefully entered her Heavenly home Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.
Rita was born Nov. 18, 1925, at Gascondy, Missouri the youngest daughter of Theodore and Julia (Picker) Klebba.
On June 6, 1945, she was united in marriage to John E. Welschmeyer at Sacred Heart Church in Rich Fountain, Missouri. He preceded her in death on May 24, 1998.
Rita was a homemaker most of her life until all her children were in school and then she went to work for Westinghouse/ABB and retired after 13 years. She also was a Stanley Home Products dealer for over 20 years. She deeply loved her family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Rita enjoyed the spring and summer produce from the garden and especially if there was a surplus she would never say no when someone would bring her produce.
She was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church attending Mass when she was able. She was a communion minister for the shut-ins for many years and was always appreciative of the Communion Ministers that brought her communion into her home. She enjoyed quilting with the ladies of Holy Family Catholic Church. Rita was a member of the Paul Hasenbeck American Legion Auxiliary Post #317.
Rita is survived by ten children namely, Yvonne (Jim) Hoerschgen, Theodore (Pam) Welschmeyer, Wayne Welschmeyer, Margaret Wieberg, Lynn (Gary) Koerber, Mark (Diane) Welschmeyer, Anita (Paul) Backues, Denise (Randy) Nilges, Joleen (Steve) Winkelman, and Daryl (Melody) Welschmeyer; 34 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren and two coming this year along with eight great-great-grandchildren; and her sister, Julia Johannesmeyer; as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and spouse of 52 years Rita was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Nicholas Wieberg and daughter-in-law Hazel Welschmeyer; granddaughters, Jennifer Wieberg and Staci Bosch; two great-grandchildren, Kaleb Fitzpatrick and Phoenix Backues; and her brothers, Adolph, Theodore Jr. and Anthony Klebba; and her sisters, Anna Richter, Sophia Wegman.
Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Freeburg with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. conducted by the American Legion Auxiliary members.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. (today) Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Freeburg with Rev. Anthony J. Viviano officiating. Interment will be in the Holy Family Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Holy Family Catholic School or to the Holy Family Catholic Church.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home in Westphalia is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be left for the family online at www.dulletrimble.com website.
