Kloewer, Rita Caroline (Mumm) (1932 - 2025)

KLOEWER, MUMM, CONNOLLY, STESSMAN, CRALL, PUHL, SONDAG, STOLTZ, CLARK, MALLONEE, SCHWERY, BELL, GROSS, PUHL, BLUM, CONNELLY

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 11/3/2025 at 20:01:56

Name of deceased: Rita Caroline Kloewer (nee Mumm)

Aged: 93 yrs, 19 days

Residence: Panama, Shelby County, IA

Born: Sep. 1, 1932; Earling, Shelby County, IA

Died: Sep. 20, 2025; Panama, Shelby County, IA

Funeral services: Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, Sep. 25, 2025; St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Panama, IA; burial was in the Washington Township Cemetery near Panama, IA.

Survived by: Husband of 68 years, Jim Kloewer of Panama, IA; children, Cindy (spouse, Joe) Connolly of Papillion, NE, Daniel (spouse, Carol Stessman) Kloewer of Omaha, NE, Dean (spouse, Colleen) Kloewer of Panama, IA, William (spouse, Janet) Kloewer of Johnston, IA and Mona (spouse, Mark) Crall of Panama, IA; son-in-law, Nick Puhl of Le Mars, IA; 22 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; siblings: Joan Sondag of Harlan, IA, Jerome “Willie” (spouse, Shirley) Mumm of Harlan, IA, Bernice (spouse, Gene) Stoltz of Omaha, NE, Ray (spouse, Mary) Mumm of Ute, IA and Bob Mumm of Gilman, IA; siblings-in-law: Verla Mumm and Marilyn Mumm, both of Dunlap, IA, Gary Clark of Gibbon, NE, Charlet Connelly of Tucson, AZ, Edna (spouse, Keith) Mallonee of Foley, AL, Donna Schwery of Panama, IA, and Mary (spouse, Ken) Bell of Clark, SD; nieces; nephews; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Peter and Frances (nee Gross) Mumm; daughter, Debra Mary Puhl; siblings, Austin, Ivo, Charles, Francis Mumm and Marie Blum

Education: Attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Earling, IA and graduated with the Class of 1950

Religious affiliation: Baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Earling, IA; devoted member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama, IA; was very active with serving on the parish council and rosary society

Military service: n/a

Marriage: James Michael Kloewer; May 1, 1956; St. Joseph Catholic Church, Earling, IA

Employment: no information provided

Hobbies/Interests: Farm wife; later, after she and Jim purchased Panama Transfer, she took on the role of secretary and worked there faithfully for many years. She also was the city clerk for several years. For more than 68 years, she was a dedicated member of the American Legion Auxiliary, serving as treasurer for over 20 of those years. After retiring, she volunteered within her parish community. As a member of the sewing circle, she lovingly created many quilts as gifts to celebrate the weddings and births of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Traveling with her husband and children during their early years was a memorable joy, and later she enjoyed trips with Jim and his sisters and brother-in-law to visit various wineries in several states. Above all, being a mother was the most important part of her life.

Sources: heartlandfunerals.net