Obituary: Rita Riedesel

Rita Riedesel, 96, died Oct. 12, 2018 in Carrington, N.D. The funeral service was Oct. 20 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Carrington. Burial was at the Carrington Cemetery. Father Bernard Pfau officiated and special music was provided by Jennifer Hoornaert. Casket bearers were Lisa Riedesel, Debbie Riedesel, Kara Riedesel, Ryan Riedesel, Erin Gray, Shelly Clark, Lynette Rusert, Tyler Riedesel, Jadin Riedesel and Ashlyn Riedesel. Honorary bearers were all of Rita's great grandchildren.

Rita Elizabeth Schaefer, daughter of Herman and Catherine (Steinbach) Schaefer, was born April 2, 1922. She attended Fairview Country School grades 1-8 and then attended New Rockford High School. After high school graduation, she attended Minot Business College and worked in Minot.

On Jan. 21, 1943, she married Marvin Riedesel from Cathay, N.D. She and Marvin were blessed with four children.

Rita was a devout Catholic and was an active member of Saint Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Sykeston and later at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Carrington. Rita was also involved in the Royal Neighbors Association and served as a leader of the local 4-H club in Cathay.

She is survived by brother Joseph Schaefer, Fessenden; sister LeNore (Del) Rood, Sturgis, Mich.; sister-in-law Darlene Daugherty, New Rockford; three children: Marvin (Happy) Jr., (Mary) Riedesel, Prior Lake, Minn.; Penny (Leon) Mindt, Beloit, Wis.; and Jeff (Kristi) Riedesel, Carrington; daughter-in-law Renee Riedesel, Carrington; and family friend Ellen Geier, South Saint Paul, Minn; 13 loving grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Herman Jr., Louis, and James William (Bill) and sisters Helena, Dolores, Kathryn, Josephine, Beverly Annella, and Lois; her husband and her son Patrick.

Arrangements made by Evans Funeral Home, N.D.