Rita Kathryn Smerud 1926-2008

TEELING, LYONS, SMERUD, HEJLIK, ZISCHKE, HOWES

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 6/16/2008 at 07:30:03

Rita Kathryn Smerud

Rita Kathryn Smerud, 82, died peacefully Monday, May 12, 2008 at Thornton Manor Nursing Home in Lansing, surrounded by her loving family, following a long struggle with cancer. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, May 17 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Albin, with Father Daniel Knipper officiating and her grandchildren serving as honorary pallbearers. Inurnment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery.

Music and other remembrances will be provided through "The Times of Your Life" with Rita's nieces, Rev. Tina Keenan, Mary Ellen Mohn and Louise Keenan, as vocalists, readers, poets and writers, and Linda Manning as organist, according to Rita's wishes. In her usual thoughtful way, she planned her funeral service in advance so her family would not have to do so.

She was born April 19, 1926 to Thomas and Florence (Teeling) Lyons of rural Waukon. She attended country school and graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Waukon.

November 29, 1949 she married John F. Smerud of New Albin and they farmed for 10 years on English Bench, rural Allamakee County. They then moved to Jefferson Ridge in Houston County, MN, where they farmed successfully for 37 years while raising their family. Rita enjoyed working alongside her husband and children, and when they retired to New Albin, Rita brought her outstanding homemaking talents to the project of remodeling their house. Wherever they lived, Rita kept a beautiful and immaculate home. A wonderful cook and gracious hostess, her varied interests included refinishing furniture, mowing the lawn, doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku puzzles. Most of all, she enjoyed time with her children and grandchildren.

In retirement, John and Rita enjoyed traveling to see their children and grandchildren. She enjoyed low stake gambling and their several trips to Las Vegas, and even the euchre tournaments they had during family visits. She and John enjoyed socializing with their many friends, and their children and grandchildren were tremendous sources of pride, happiness and inspiration. As a remarkably devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Rita was active in church and community, a member of St. Joseph Catholic church and of the Rosary Society. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Rita is survived by John, her loving husband of 60 years; and five children, Thomas (Ann) Smerud of Greeley, CO and their children Brian, Patrick, Kevin and Allison, Dr. Michael (Randi) Smerud of Dallas, TX and their children Matthew and Katie, Scott (Theresa) Smerud of La Crosse, WI and their children Anna, Aidan, Kristian, Quinlan and Emma, Mary (Greg) Hejlik of Quincy, IL and their children Melissa, Nikki and Eric, and Kara Smerud of Caledonia, MN.

She is further survived by two brothers, Ralph (Theresa) Lyons and Frankie (Joyce) Lyons of Waukon; a sister, Betty Zischke of La Crosse, WI; brothers-in-law Alfred (Lorna) Smerud of La Crosse, WI and Donald Smerud of Waukon; sisters-in-law Evangeline McKenna of Clutier and Margaretta (Walter) Keenan of Waukon, and Lorraine Lyons of Waterloo; plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Francis John; a grandson, Greg Hejlik, Jr.; a sister, Mary Howes; a brother, James "Bud" Lyons; and a brother-in-law, Don Ziscke.

McCormick Funeral Home of Caledonia, MN assisted the family with arrangements.

The Waukon Standard, May 21, 2008
Submitter is not related and has no further information.