Rita Sundrup

Rita Catherine, daughter of Ben and Anna (Hinners) Schroeder, was born February 28, 1918 south of Arcadia, Iowa.  She attended St. John’s School in Arcadia and helped on the farm after completing her schooling. 

   On October 14, 1936, Rita was united in marriage with William Sundrup at St. John’s Catholic Church in Arcadia.  Nine children were born to this union and the family lived outside of Arcadia.  Rita was a busy homemaker until all her children were grown.  She then worked for the St. John’s hot lunch program for 19 years.  She was a member of the St. John’s Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers.  Attending Mass and praying the rosary regularly were very important to her.  Rita enjoyed crocheting, cooking, gardening, canning and playing cards with her lady friends.  She will be remembered as a very meticulous and disciplined woman who also maintained a healthy sense of humor.  Rita was a very dedicated mother and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

   William died in 1969 and Rita continued to live in their home near Arcadia.  She moved to Sunnybrook of Carroll in 2008. When her health declined she moved to St. Anthony Nursing Home in Carroll on her birthday in 2015. Rita died there on Sunday, February 21, 2016, at the age of 97 years, 11 months and 24 days.

   Preceding her in death are her parents; husband William Sundrup; siblings Evelyn Tesser, Colette Kent, Frances Schroeder, Irene Schroeder, Cletus Schroeder and Sylvester Schroeder; grandchildren Kevin Martens, Debbie Sundrup and Linda Sundrup.

   Rita is survived by her nine children: Ronald (Helen) Sundrup of Arcadia; Robert (Alice) Sundrup of Council Bluffs; Karen Martens of Carroll; Kathleen Sundrup of Carroll; Dennis Sundrup of Lamesa, TX; Judy (Stephen) Davis of Glenwood Springs, CO; Diane Sundrup of Carroll; Patti (Steve) Sundermann of Glenwood Springs, CO; and Barb (Jeff) Boldt of Carroll; 18 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; sister Sylvia (Gerald) Luther of Mukwonago, WI; other relatives and friends.