Rita M. Lenz, nee Kircher, age 73, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at her home in West Bend.
She was born on May 22, 1936 in Barton to the late Frank and Marie (nee Mitter) Kircher. On February 11, 1956 Rita married Oscar "Chuck" Lenz at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Chuck preceded her in death on September 7, 2005.
Rita was a hard working waitress at supper clubs in the area for 30+ years and she was very good at it. She always said, "If you're going to do it, do it right the first time". She was an adventurer of the great outdoor. She loved to be in the woods picking mushrooms, hickory nuts and whatever nature had to offer her and she loved every kind of animal. She enjoyed the summers at the cottage on Lake Bernice with the family and renovated an old log home in St. Killian as a project. Rita loved her friends and family dearly and never beat around the bush. She loved to travel and take trips to different casinos. Mostly she enjoyed her card club buddies and the true friendships she shared with them and many others. Rita enjoyed canning all sorts of foods but pickles were her specialty. She would share them with family and friends or sell them at the local farmers market. She truly enjoyed all people and will be missed by many.
Rita was the matriarch of the family and is survived by her six children, Gale Zurn of Campbellsport, Christine Wiedmeyer of CO, Steven Lenz of Chicago, IL, Daniel (Connie) Lenz of Madison, SD, Jean (Randal) Schmitt of Montello, WI and Donna Lenz of Theresa; 10 grandchildren, Angie (Jeremy) Ginwald, Austin (Brooke) Engelhardt, Alli Zurn, Brian (Staci) Wiedmeyer, Kelly (Joe) Van Hook, Chad Frewaldt, Shannon (Shawn) Frewaldt, Jessica Barnes, Joseph (Arielle) Barnes and Kelly Schmitt; eight great-grandchildren, Jadyn, Gage, Justin, Mitch, Morgan, Kelbi, Hannah, and Lucy; one sister, Ruth Glander of West Bend; and one brother-in-law, Bernard Wagner.
Rita is further survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Chuck Lenz; sister, Margie Wagner, brother-in-law, Donald Glander, and sister-in-law, Grace (Butch) Theusch.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial in remembrance of Rita will be held on Thursday, November 5th at 3:00 pm at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1610 Monroe Street, West Bend with Fr. Charles Wester officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 1:00 pm until the time of the mass. Burial will follow at the new St. Mary's Cemetery.