Rita Ann Weiland

Rita Ann Weiland, 85 of La Crosse was born to John and Minnie (Strasser) Weiland on February 19, 1930.
The Angels in Heaven reached out their arms to our dear Aunt Rita and took her home on Sunday November 29, 2015 at the Bethany-St. Joseph Care Center.
The youngest of 8 children, Rita is survived by her brother John (Carol) Weiland of Onalaska, sister-in-law Dorothy Weiland of La Crosse, and brother-in-law Martin Miller of La Crescent.
Rita is further survived by her nieces and nephews whom she lovingly referred to as her ”kids”; Janice Garliech, Colleen Turok, Kenny Strupp, Paulette Wilson, Linda (John) Van Arsdale, Connie Wilson, Steve (Vickie) Weiland, Joan Weiland, Kate Weiland, Nancy Weiland, Julie (Kevin) Seeley , David Weiland, Tom Weiland, Greg Weiland, Bill Weiland, Keith (Maury) Weiland, Karla Collier, Karen (Pete) Naegle, Sue Miller, Kathy (Rich) Peterson, John (Rose) Miller, Jean (Dave) Klinski, Judy (Red) Storlie, Jane Miller, Cindy Mettille, Tim Weiland and Terry (Karla) Weiland.
Rita is also survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews and their children who fondly called her “Great” Aunt Rita. She will always be remembered by her close friend, Pat McCabe, along with many other wonderful friends.
She was a faithful member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church since birth. She graduated from Holy Trinity Grade School in 1944 and from Aquinas High School in 1948.
Rita was employed by The La Crosse Telephone Company for 28 years, 1962-1990. She previously worked at Autolite, did some bartending and managed a juke box and pinball business. She was a member of the Women of the Moose Lodge 1920 for many years.
She played softball for Rex’s Ye Old Style Inn and The La Crosse Telephone Company. She bowled into her late 70’s at Pla Mor and golfed into her 80’s. She was the best fisherman any of us have ever known! She was a huge Packer fan. Each year Aunt Rita hosted the annual family Christmas party and we shared many good times in her basement! Aunt Rita was always ready for a good card game and a cold beer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters; Rose Oliver, Eleanor (George) Schild, Beatrice Miller, her brothers; Rueben Weiland, Edward Weiland, Robert (Doris) Weiland. She was also preceded in death by her nephews, Francis Strupp, Ralph Strupp, Frederick Oliver, John Patrick Weiland and her great-nephew, Shane Miller. She will be joining many good friends and family who are waiting for her in heaven.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hearten House and Bethany St. Joseph Care Center for the concern and attention given to Rita for the last 4 years.
Rita was a cherished Aunt, a special person and a great friend. She will be missed by all of us. Blessed be her memory…till we meet again.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, December 3rd at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Rev. G. Rick Roberts officiating. Entombment will follow in Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 9:00 AM until the time of services. Memorials are suggested to Holy Trinity Catholic Church.