Rita Bodensteiner
December 11, 1927 ~ July 24, 2010
Rita M. Bodensteiner, age 82 of Decorah, formerly of New Hampton, Iowa died Saturday evening, July 24, 2010, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 Wednesday July 28, 2010, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler with Rev. Marvin Salz officiating. The pall will be placed by Rita's husband and children. Lectors for the service will be Christa Bodensteiner, Sara Brown, Jacqueline Grandstrand and Jessica Deering. Eucharistic Ministers are Jana Bodensteiner, Larry Bodensteiner and Kenny Bodensteiner. Gift Bearers are Amanda Bodensteiner, Michaela Bodensteiner, Brooke Evensen and Courtney Evensen. Rebekah Shindelar will be signing for the service.
Interment will be in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church Cemetery, Lawler with Kelly Root, Ryan Shannon, Bryan Lentz, Alison Lentz, Emily Lentz, Jeremy Bodensteiner, Katie Linnen, David Shindelar and Zach Deering as pallbearers.
Visitation will be 3 – 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in New Hampton with a 4:00 p.m. Catholic Daughters of the Americas Rosary and a 7:00 p.m. Scripture Service. A video tribute will be shown made by Kristin Shindelar. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.
Rita Marie was born December 11, 1927 in Festina, Iowa the daughter of Herman and Catherine (Uhlenhake) Lechtenberg. She attended grade school at Our Lady of Seven Dolors in Festina and graduated from the Calmar High School in 1945. She continued her education at the Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls and taught a year at the brick school house west of New Hampton.
On March 30, 1948, in Festina, Rita was united in marriage to Linus Bodensteiner. To this union nine children were born. The couple lived, farmed and raised their family east of New Hampton.
Rita was an active area resident. She was a 50 year member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, a member of the Legion Auxiliary, Mt. Carmel Catholic Church where she was a lay minister, Hospice Volunteer, Meals on Wheels, Carnegie Cultural Center and a neighborhood club called TNT. She will be remembered by her family as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Rita was known for her caring spirit and warm hospitality, welcoming everyone with her bright smile and warm greeting.
Rita is survived by her husband of 62 years, Linus; three sons, Kenny (Margie) Bodensteiner of Marion, Iowa, Larry (Ann) Bodensteiner of Oronoco, MN, and Jerry Bodensteiner of New Hampton; six daughters, Janet Shannon of Rochester, MN, Joan (Bob) Lentz of Cedar Falls, IA, Mary Lee (Tom) Deering of Franklin, TN, Kay (Allan) Shindelar of Protivin, IA, Carole (Brian) Evensen of Golden Valley, MN and Christa Bodensteiner of Myrtle Beach, SC; 19 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; one sister, Odelia (Lenny) Cremer of Calmar, IA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman & Catherine Lechtenberg; four brothers, Joe, Greg, Iraenus and Ted Lechtenberg; five sisters, Edwina Thuente, Bertha Thuente, Julia Hemesath, Bridget Lechtenberg and Catherine Huber.
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I will always remember Rita’s gentle soul and kind spirit. May God be with the family as they mourn. Peace and prayers be with you.
Linus & family We remember the wonderful times you and Rita had with my parents, George & Luella Braham. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kathy & Don Braham
Mrs. Bodensteiner was like a second-mother to me while growing up with Kenny. She put up with me quite a bit! The times I spent in their house were some of the best. Mr. and Mrs. Bodensteiner are the true American Heroes. They lived on the land and made everything and everyone better for it. My wife Kelly and I are deeply saddened by Mrs. Bodensteiner’s passing. We learned of her passing a few minutes ago by a note sent to us from her son-in-law, Bob Lentz. Sincerely, Jim Kout Bowie, MD
Linus, Mary, Joan and siibings: I had a wonderful visit with Rita and Linus last year while I was home. Rita was an unusually warm and caring person who played a part in bringing up many young people in addition to her own nine children. I will alsways have the fondest of memories of Rita and her family. Sincerely, Jane
Linus, May, Joan and siibings: I had a wonderful visit with Rita and Linus last year while I was home. Rita was an unusually warm and caring person who played a part in bringing up many young people in addition to her own nine children. I will alsways have the fondest of memories of her and her family. Sincerely, Jane
Linus, my prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. I have many great memories of you, Rita and your family.
As friends of Ken and Margie, we were saddened over the loss of Rita. Margie always had great things to say about her mother-in-law. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Kay and Bodensteiner family, We are thinking of all of you at this difficult time. You are all in our prayers. Rita was a very special person and good people like Rita come along once in a lifetime and will always remember her fondly.
In fond remembrance, we wish to extend our most sincere sympathy in this time of loss and sorrow. May the Lord give you His comfort and peace of heart. Wayne, Nadine and our family.
Ken & Family, Mona and I extend our sympathy to you. Know that we are thinking of you! We will keep you in our prayers! Terry & Mona Ball
Linus and Family – We are sorry to learn of Rita’s death. You are in our prayers.
Rita, was an exceptional lady. She was one of my dearest Dialysis Patients. She cared for all of us like she cared for her own family. We all loved her. She shared so many wonderful stories about her family. I will miss her bright smile every morning, She had the most utmost respect for everyone and with that thought, I will not forget her. Love You Rita.
Christa, My mom told me news of your mom. I just wanted to pass along my condolences in this sad time. I can still picture your mom at our Loras golf meets! I hope you carry all those happy memories with you to remember a great lady.
Thinking and praying for you guys. Lots of love from SC.
Dear family, You are all in my heart and prayers. Tho my heart is heavy, I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to meet such a precious, gentle spirit as Mom Bodensteiner. I can only imagine her now adorned in robe and crown. Abounding Joy. She loved. She loves. Love you all, Sonia
Sorry to hear about Rita. Knew some of your family back in the late 70’s, early 80’s. Worked for DHIA & tested cows back then. I will always remember Rita as having a quiet gentle spirit-1 Peter 3:4,5 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. John 14:27 (Jesus said) ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’
Dear Family, As we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, my heart fell when I heard the news. My heart and prayers go out to all of you and I hope the Lord will hold you in the palm of his hand and that you will feel his comforting presence. As Christa’s friend, she told me a lot about her family. You are all very special and will be in my prayers. love and prayers, Claudia
Linus and Family – My deepest sympathies for your loss of Rita. I remember Rita as a beautiful, elegant woman who was so proud of her family. She has gone now to a place she so richly deserved and to see her again one day brings great comfort. Take care and God Bless.
Mary, Tom, Jessica and Zack, We will praying for you and thinking of you these next few days. Lots of love to you and all your family. Please remember, ‘Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.’ 1 Peter 5:7
Linus and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss of Rita. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as memories of Rita are in my heart forever. She always said that she learned so many things from my mom, Hulda. I, also, learned many things from Rita, too. She taught me what it is to be neighborly and welcoming. I’m sure I overstayed my welcome at your home many times, but Rita made sure I felt at home. I remember the round chair in the livingroom that twirled in circles, eating cookie dough from the freezer in the basement, helping bring in laundry and helping hang up laundry, the big snow hill in the yard, seeing The Wizard of Oz for the first time in color, and how could I forget, playing ‘Body of Christ’ with crackers and doilies on our heads with Janet and Joan. Bless You–I have been a Catholic for 42 years now! It was the closest thing to having brothers and sisters that I experienced. It also prepared me for becoming one of the even larger Throndson Family. Peace and Prayers and Thank You to You All! Love and Memories!
Ken, Margie and family. Our sympathy to you and your family and especially your Dad. May you be blessed with many wonderful memories of your Mom. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joan…we’re so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing and our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your siblings. Please know we’re thinking of you and send our prayers your way. Mike & Deb
Rita was a special aunt to Charlie. He loves the many wonderful memories made when the Bodensteiners and Hubers would gather together. I am happy that Rita knew I made her a pie and hope that she was able to enjoy a bite of it. She was a kind and gracious lady, so deeply cared for by many. Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you all. God Bless, CJ and Charlie
Linus and family, so sorry to hear about Rita. She was a very pleasant lady. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time.
Dear Joan and family, Those we know of your family are a tremendous tribute to your mom. You are full of faith, generosity and compassion-traits passed down from a loving family. We are sorry for your tremendous loss, and ask our Father to give you comfort in your memories, and joy in your heritage. We love you.
‘ She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and her tought is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her houshold. Her Children arise up and call her blessed, her husband also, he praiseth her.’ Proverbs 31: 26-28 From the shoes of the Carolina’s to fields of Iowa, my prayers are for the broken hearted. ‘ The Lord is night unto them that are of broken hearted.’ Psalms 35: 18 Love Sheb
‘ She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and her tought is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her houshold. Her Children arise up and call her blessed, her husband also, he praiseth her.’ Proverbs 31: 26-28 From the shoes of the Carolina’s to fields of Iowa, my prayers are for the broken hearted. ‘ The Loard is night unto them that are of broken hearted.’ Psalms 35: 18 Love Sheb
Jerry & family, May the joyful memories help carry you through this difficult time. With heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy~ Roberta and family
Oh, what a beautiful family Rita and Linus raised and how awesome is our God to use a willing vessel to show His splendor to so many! The ripples of her gracious life have extended to South Carolina and as far as China, just to name a few. And I for one will be forever grateful! She is a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. Isaiah 62:3
Dear Joan and family, What a beautiful legacy your mother left in all of you. May the memories bring comfort, and friends share the burden, when words are not enough.
Dear Linus and Family, Our sincerest condolences are extended to you all. We regret that we will not be able to come to Iowa at this time for the services. May God’s blessings accompany you during these sad times. Sylvan and Connie Thuente in Macon Ga, and our daughters Macie and Tara, and their children.
My condolences
Linus, Kathryn and family, You have my sympathy. Rita will be missed as she always made you smile when she was around. May everyone in heaven ‘bow’ to her daily!
My sincere sympathy to Rita’s entire family. You will all be in my daily thoughts and prayers. May your happy memories bring you peace and healing.
Carole and family, praying for your family as you go through this week and the weeks to come, but also rejoicing in knowing your mom is with her Lord and Saviour.
Kay and family, So sorry to read about your Mom. She was always such a pleasant lady when I would see her anyplace, she always had a warm smile on her face. Treasure your many memories of your Mother and let them help you and your family get through this hard time. With deepest sympathy, Jeff and Pat Sommerlot Marshalltown, Iowa
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that each and every one of you are very close in every thought and prayer.
Linus & Family, Our deepest sympathy to all of the family at this time of sorrow. Rita was a wonderful lady and I enjoyed visiting with her. I also remember all the times we visited at the farm as kids. She is resting peacefully now.
Linus Family, I am sorry to hear this about wife,mother, grandma.A message of sympathy,of comfort,of caring… …to help you through this difficult time.GOD BLESS YOU ALL!! Brenda Parks & Rick Kobliska
Linus and family, We remember Rita – a woman full of grace and beauty. Rest peacefully. Love, Sharon, Jase, Maddie and Colin