Rita Ann Bagniefski

Rita Bagniefski died peacefully on January 25, 2020, at Hillview Healthcare Center.  Rita was born in La Crosse on November 9 ^th , 1935 to Esther and Arlan Gates, and was a lifelong resident of La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Rita excelled at all that she endeavored, including many academic achievements before graduating from La Crosse Central High School.  Rita went on to become a devout and an accomplished homemaker, raising a family of seven children.  While raising her family, Rita enjoyed several successful ventures including selling Avon products and doing bookkeeping for local businesses.  Rita’s most celebrated endeavor was becoming an adored fixture at the Circus Supper Club in La Crosse, where she served as the head waitress for over 20 years.  Rita was especially proud of her tenure at the Circus Supper Club, serving her loyal clientele with distinguished service for many years.  Rita also enjoyed many hobbies including card clubs, Yahtzee, crocheting, fishing, and canning fruits and vegetables.   After retirement, Rita and her husband, Fred, enjoyed camping and fishing with their many friends at Goose Island.  They also enjoyed spending summers together at their favorite camping destination, Echo Bay Resort in northern Wisconsin.  Rita was blessed with a large family, and enjoyed spending time with her 7 children, 11 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

Rita was a proud and loving mother to her children:  Jeffrey Bagniefski of La Crosse (Laurie); Jill Zakem of La Crosse (Kenny); Tim Bagniefski of Palm Harbor, FL (Kris); Teresa Whitaker of La Crosse (Jimmy); Brian Bagniefski of Baltimore, MD (Julie); Brent Bagniefski of Champaign-Urbana, IL (Mark); and Lisa Bagniefski of Milwaukee.  Rita was also blessed with loving grandchildren: Garrett Bagniefski, Troy Bagniefski, Brooke Dubrakva (Milan), Jenny Hund (Harrison), Anna Engfer (Grant), Nicole, Natalie & Cassie Bagniefski, Stacy Grace (Jon), Michelle Spottswood (William II), and Kelly Coles (Greg).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arlan & Esther, her loving husband Fred, daughter Jill, brother Wayne and grandson Troy.

The family will receive friends for a viewing and visitation on Thursday, January 30 ^th , from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Avenue South in La Crosse.  Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 31 ^st , at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on 1333 So. 13 ^th St., beginning with a viewing at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m.  Entombment will take place in the Chapel of Devotion Mausoleum in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Upon completion of services, a Remembrance of Life will be hosted by the family at Piggy’s Restaurant, 501 Front St. S., La Crosse.