Rita Burgart
July 20, 1920 ~ December 15, 2008
Rita L. Burgart, age 88, of New Hampton, IA died on Monday, December 15, 2008 at New Hampton Nursing & Rehab Center in New Hampton, IA.
Rita Luella Huegel was born on July 20, 1920 to Joseph and Magdelina (Freidhof) Huegel in North Washington, IA. Rita attended Immaculate Conception School in North Washington graduating in 1938. She worked as a hired girl for her sister Olivia Orthaus family until her marriage to Melvin Burgart on April 5, 1948 at Immaculate Conception Church in North Washington. The couple farmed near North Washington for a short time before moving to their farm east of Alta Vista. After Melvins death in 1975 Rita continued to live on the farm and raise her family. In 1988 she moved into New Hampton where she has lived ever since. In February of 2008 Rita decided to move into New Hampton Nursing and Rehab Center which was truly Ritas home. Rita found the bright side of every situation and found the good in everybody she touched.
Rita enjoyed gardening, playing cards, bird watching, bingo, word search puzzles, and her grand children and great grand children who knew her as G.G. She also enjoyed visits from her nieces and nephews.
Rita was a member of St. Josephs Center-Holy Family Parish and New Hampton Senior Citizens.
Rita is survived by three sons Bill (Ginny) Burgart of Rochester, MN, Paul (Hyunsook) Burgart of Boston, MA, Charles Burgart of New Hampton, IA; eight daughters Pat (John) Vacek of Oxford Junction, IA, Arlene (Mike) LaPlant of Rochester, MN, Marlene (Marty) Wiley of Detroit Lakes, MN, Doris (Dean) Wendschuh of Longmont, CO, Jean Burgart of Cresco, IA, Nancy (Dan) Heiselman of New Hampton, IA, Shirley Burgart (friend Mike Neimeyer) of Anchorage, AK, Karen (Kenny) Foster of Sulphur Springs, TX; 17 grandchildren; two step grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two sister-in-laws Florentine Huegel of Ionia, IA and Lucille Burgart of Alta Vista, IA; a brother-in-law Paul Schwickerath of New Hampton, IA; a former daughter-in-law Janet Burgart of Hull, MA; numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband Melvin on July 30, 1975; her parents; a son Kenneth on June 25, 1995; two brothers and six sisters.
Cemetery:
Burial will be in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery at Lourdes with Ritas grandchildren serving as casket bearers.
Visitation:
Visitation will be 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, December 18, 2008 at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in New Hampton with a 4:30pm Rosary and a Scriptural Wake Service at 6:30pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.
Service:
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am on Friday, December 19, 2008 at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Hampton, Iowa with Father Carl Schmitt as celebrant.
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Aunt Rita was a kind and caring soul, always interested in what was happening in the lives of our family. We send our love and sincere sympathy to all of her family. -John
Dan, Nancy, family, so sorry to hear of your mom passing away. You all have our deepest heartfelt sympathy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and if there is anything that we can do please let us know. Love, Don, Pat, Chance
I remember all the wonderful times when we would go over to the farm and play with all the cousins, many memories of Lourdes. A couple of times when Rita was living in New Hampton, Mom and I would go over and play cards with her. She was always a gentle woman and will be missed. We will keep all of you in our prayers and thoughts.
Karen, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending our love to all of you.
Shirley and Family So sorry to hear the loss of your Mother. I lost mine in September, so this Christmas is a little BLUE for me. I often think about you, as I had been your classmate in New Hampton schools. I see you are still in Alaska! I m in Minnesota. Take care-
So sorry to hear of Ritas passing. She was as very special friend to everyone. Sorry we cant be there with you all at this difficult time but know that we are there in prayer and spirit.
We are sorry for your loss. We are sure she will be missed. Mike and Lori
We were so sorry to hear about your mom Bill. Thank you for thinking to call me to let me know. We will keep you and 89ce5your entire family in our prayers during this time of your loss.
Shirley and family-Just wanted to drop a line to send you my sincere sympathy. Your mom was such a sweet wonderful lady- and Im sure will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched!! Cherish all those wonderful memories Im sure you all have of her- and she will never be very far away!! I always think at this time of year, when someone passes away- that God needed a very special angel for this very special holiday!! Take care- and may God hold you all very close throughout all of this! In sympathy and prayershellie
I am sorry I cant be there in person, but I am sending my love and thoughts.
Karen – I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was such a kind and gentle woman and I have always thought that you are just like her! Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Karen,we didnt get to meet your Mom but enjoyed seeing pictures of her and hear Kaylee and Kenzie speak of Grandma and their trips to Iowa.You have been a blessing in our family and we send our love,prayers and concern to you and all the family. Mema,Monty,Kim, Amber, Jimmy, Aaron Sean Michael and Shannon Lynn
To Ritas family.Im so sorry for your lossMay God embrace you and surround you with comfort and love. I am a friend of Shirleys in Anchorage (grew up near St. Olaf, Iowa). You all have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.God Bless, Susan
Rita was a woman among woman. She was the most pleasant, friendly person I have ever known. I enjoyed growing up with the Burgarts and Rita will always hold a special place in me.
Rita was a woman among woman. She was the most pleasant, friendly person I have ever known. I enjoyed growing up with the Burgarts and Rita will always hold a special place in me.