Rita Dingfelder

Rita Sylvia Dingfelder, affectionately known as Granny and Grandma Rita, of Saint Charles, MN, formerly of Lewiston and Winona, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 years, 11 months, and 25 days on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Whitewater Healthcare Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on December 28, 1929, to Ernest and Anna (Theis) Schultz in Winona, Rita was the cherished youngest sibling in a large family of seven. She graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1947.

On August 10, 1948, she united in marriage to William Dingfelder at the Little Brown Church in Iowa, and together they welcomed four beautiful children: Karen, Janice, Joan, and David. After William’s passing in 1973, she found companionship with Alvin Lafky, with whom she had her daughter, Roxanne.

Rita was dedicated to her work, spending 15 years at Woolworth’s department store in Winona and 23 years with Camera Art Herff Jones in Lewiston. In her retirement, she brought joy and warmth to countless children as a kindergarten aide at Lewiston-Altura Elementary School for seven years, where she became affectionately known as 'Grandma Rita.' Additionally, she lent her time and talents at the Semcac Nutrition Center, helping with Meals on Wheels for another seven years, serving her community with unwavering spirit.

A passionate gardener, Rita found joy in planting and nurturing flowers. Her heart sang with the polkas she adored, and she expressed her love through baking, often welcoming guests with sweet treats. She adored treasure hunting at garage sales, especially with her sister Marce and daughter Roxanne, and felt immense pride in attending her grandsons' sporting events.

Throughout her life, Rita was a devoted member of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Church in Winona and later, St. Rose of Lima Church in Lewiston.

She is survived by her children, Karen (Rich) Bearbecker of Winona, Joan (Don) O'Neil of Minnesota City and Roxanne (Jeremiah) Prigge of St Charles; Son-in-law, Mike Nascak of Winona; grandchildren, Vicky, Jimmy, Mandy, Kelsie, Billy, Adam, Brady, Shelly, Ricky, Shana, Stephanie, Lincoln and Logan; Step grandchildren, Brittany, Abbi and Cassie; 15 great grandchildren; 7 step great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; her sister, Jerri Schneider of Winona; and several nieces and nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Anna; husband, William; her son, David Dingfelder; her daughter, Janice Nascak; her sisters, Marcella Hoover, Fay Blank, Rachael Kuhlmann and Jeanne Whetstone; and brother, Marvin Schultz.

The family would like to thank St Charles Assisted Living for many, many years of care. Whitewater Health Care and Season's Hospice for care in the last few weeks.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, (Rita’s 95th Birthday) at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church (180 S Fremont St, Lewiston, MN) at 11am with visitation beginning at 10am. Rita will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Winona on Saturday, January 4, 2024, at 11am.

Hoff Funeral Home – Lewiston is assisting the family.