Rita Becker

Rita M., daughter of William and Margaret (Brincks) Schmitz, was born May 7, 1924 at Dedham, Iowa. Her family lived in rural Dedham and attended school in Dedham. After she completed her schooling, Rita worked as a mother's helper and in the kitchen at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll. On September 18, 1945, Rita was united in marriage with Joe Becker at St. Joseph's Church in Dedham. Ten children were born to this union. The family lived in Dedham, rural Halbur and Arcadia. Joe died in 1968 and Rita subsequently moved to Carroll. She then worked at the St. Anthony Nursing Home until her retirement in 1992. Rita continued to visit friends at the nursing home after her retirement. Rita was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, Legion of Mary and the Ladies Guild. She was devoted to Eucharistic Adoration. Her family and grandchildren were her greatest joy. Rita also enjoyed cooking, gardening and crocheting, as well as, watching television and listening to polka music. In April of 2010 Rita moved to the Carroll Health Center. Her health declined recently and she died there on Sunday, February 10, 2013. She was 88 years, 9 months and 3 days of age. Rita is preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter Bonnie Birch; grandsons Darrin Riesberg and John Birch Jr.; great grandson Elon Bauer; sisters: Mary Swatta, Marlene Schmitz, Millie Landon, Irma Morgan and Sally Berning; brothers: Louie Schmitz, Ray Schmitz, Bill Schmitz, Joe Schmitz and Bob Schmitz. She is survived by nine children: James Becker of Coon Rapids; Mary Margaret Breidinger (Bill) of Ames; Doris Kinkade of Templeton; Diane Bauer (Kenneth) of Arcadia; Joe Becker of Coon Rapids; Marjorie Riesberg (John) of Carroll; Donna Riesberg (Bob) of Arcadia; Bill Becker of Scranton; Lois Cole (Carroll) of Greer, SC; 25 grandchildren; 49 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; brother Don Schmitz (Pauline) of Dedham; brothers-in-law Clarence Berning of Carroll, Tom Landon of Auburn and John Swatta of Des Moines; sister-in-law Clara Schmitz of York, NE; other relatives and friends. Reverend Timothy Johnson, Celebrant Reverend Timothy Boekelman, Concelebrant Lector Tammy Rickers Gift Bearers Jim Becker Joe Becker Bill Becker Music "Here I Am, Lord" "How Great Thou Art" "Amazing Grace" "On Eagle's Wings" Holy Spirit Choir Barb McDermott, Organist Casket Bearers Bowe Kinkade Mike Bauer Travis Becker Jason Riesberg Justin Birch Adam Cole The family wishes to express their gratitude for your kindness evidenced in thought, word and deed, and invites you to join them for lunch and fellowship at the Greteman Center immediately after the church service.