Rita J. Dieter
Rita Jane Dieter, 90, our loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at home, surrounded by family.
Rita was born on September 21, 1930 in Prairie du Chien, the daughter of Cornelius “Neil” and Pearl (Canty) Kane.
Rita married Richard “Dick” Dieter, the love of her life in Seneca, WI on November 25, 1954. God blessed them with 66 years of loving marriage.
Mom’s love for children and teaching was shown in her many years of teaching at Wauzeka High School, Madison Public Schools, St. Mary’s Springs High School, and Moraine Park Technical College. Her love of working with children continued in her volunteer work with New Beginnings.
Over the years mom shared her appreciation for angels with us. She particularly enjoyed reading stories about angels helping people. She had an extensive angel figurine collection decorating our home. Mom was a member of Holy Family Catholic Parish and spent countless hours volunteering there. Her strong faith and love for God guided her life.
Our fondest memories of mom include how she loved to hold the babies and play with the grandchildren. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her much joy. She loved to bake and cook for her family. Her “famous” cinnamon bread was a favorite at all family gatherings. No birthday was complete until we had her angel food cake with the twirling angels cake topper.
Left behind to cherish Rita’s memory are her husband of 66 years, Dick; daughters Joan (Jeffrey) Caine and Catherine (Thomas) Deitte; grandchildren Teresa (Jason) Chambers, Timothy (Katie) Caine, Brian (Traci) Caine, Maria (Brian) Hackbarth, Steven (Mary) Deitte, Colleen and Christine Deitte; great grandchildren Jameson and Evelyn Chambers, Eleanor and Zachary Hackbarth, Bella Ludeman, Mason and Lillian Caine and Easton Caine.
Rita is further survived by sisters Jeanne Stuckey, Betty Ann (John) O’Donnell and Mary Ellyn (Brian) Oetzel. Rita had many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her brother Neil and his wife Mary, brothers-in-law Al Stuckey and John Polashek, sister- in-law Myra Polashek, and nephew John.
Due to the current pandemic, a private Mass of Christian Burial for the family is scheduled. Rita will be laid to rest in Calvary Mausoleum. A Celebration of Rita’s life will be planned in the future when all of Rita’s family and friends can share memories and visit safely in person.
In lieu of flowers, Rita’s family would appreciate donations in her name to New Beginnings, Agnesian Hospice, Holy Family Parish or the charity of your choice.
We want to thank mom’s special angel Jenny for the loving care she provided. We also want to extend a special thank you to Agnesian Hospice for the compassionate care their staff provided.
Online condolences can be shared at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.