Rita Jane Wessel

WINONARita J. (Nepper) Wessel, 84, of Winona died Saturday, September 5, 2015, at St. Anne Extended Healthcare in Winona.Rita was born June 26, 1931 to George and Veronica (Lydon) Nepper in Winona, MN. She grew up on the family farm near Minneiska. Rita graduated from Cathedral High School in 1949. On June 27, 1951 she married Robert Wessel at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Minneiska, MN. Together they farmed near Wilson and raised 6 children, Barbara, Thomas, Patrice, Deb, Bill, and James. As a caring, giving, and devoted mother and grandmother, Rita made sure family always came first. She loved spending time with her family and took pride in her children and grandchildren's accomplishments. Some of her favorite activities included sewing, baking cakes, dancing, polka music, and farming with her husband, Robert. Rita was known to have a strong faith which showed through her generous and charitable work with the church. She was a strong woman who was proud to live independently on the farm until she was 83. Rita will be greatly missed and not soon forgotten. Rita is survived by her children, Barbara Losinski, Tom Wessel, Patrice (Robert) Bork, Deb (Bruce) Wittenberg, Bill Wessel, and James (Carol) Wessel; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Bob Nepper, Mary Lou Matzke, and Bill Nepper. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Wessel in 2004; and siblings, Shirley Nelsen and Jack Nepper.Memorial Mass for Rita will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wilson with the Reverend James Berning officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. She will be laid to rest at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery.The family prefers memorials be given in Rita's name to Catholic Charities, Birth Right, or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church/Cemetery.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/628723