Rita Mary Culhane

Rushford, Rita Mary Culhane, 84, of Rushford died Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford. She was born May 20, 1925 in Winona to James and Loretta (Hogan) Waters. Rita graduated from St. Boniface Catholic School in Waumandee, WI and from Arcadia High School. She then attended and graduated from St. Theresa's College in Winona with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. On June 9, 1949 Rita married John Allyn Culhane. They made their home in Rushford. Rita taught at Caledonia High School for a few years. She then taught at Rushford High School, where she coached girl's sports teams and was an advisor for many activities. She retired in 1989. Rita was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, having served as a trustee. She had also been involved in the Priscilla Club, American Legion Auxiliary and the Library Board. Survivors include her five children; Peggy (Donny) Ziegler of Peterson, Mary Pat (Phil) Poisell of Tomah, WI, Jack (Jody) Culhane of Marathon, WI, Jim (LuAnn) Culhane and Molly (Mark) Wieser both of Rushford, grandchildren; Heather & Loretta Clark, Deedee Torgeson, Andy Poisell, Lindsey (Aaron) Peterson, Dustin, Joseph & Matthew Culhane, Clara, Abigail & Benjamin Wieser, a brother John (Kay) Waters of Bloomington, a special sister-in-law Betty Culhane of Rushford, a sister-in-law Patty Waters of Albert Lea, a special cousin Mary Margaret Steffen and a brother-in-law Richard Bloom of Fort Meyers, FL. She was preceded in death by her husband John on April 27, 1968, also by her parents, brothers Harold and James Waters a sister Terri Bloom and a granddaughter Amy Culhane. A Funeral Mass will be offered at 11AM Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rushford with The Reverend Joseph Pete officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford from 3-7 PM Sunday and one hour before services Monday at the church. A Rosary will be recited a 6:30 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Please share a memory of Rita on-line at www.hofffuneral.com.