Obituary for Rita Marie Halvorson

Rita was born to George and Hildegard Kateley ("Babe" Ruegg) in La Crosse, WI on Sept. 28, 1932. Her mother passed away when Rita was very young, and a few years later her father George married Martha Schmitz, whom Rita always called "Mom". She married Charles Halvorson on Sept. 26, 1953. She and Charles were married 64 years before he passed in 2018. Together they had 5 children, Steve (Jean) of Houston MN, Kathy Dietel (Brad) of Holmen WI, Debbie, deceased, Rick, Winona MN, and Chuck (Lyn) of Houston MN. She is further survived by her Brother-in-Law CJ Halverson of New Market TN and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband Charles, daughter Debra, daughter-in-law Lynn (Rick's wife), her two sisters Donna Schultz and Carol Kirkeby and their husbands, (Ernie and Karl respectively) along with her in-laws on Charles side Roger and Rosie Halverson, Sue and Kenny Hegland, Bill Booth, and Lois Halverson.

Rita was known for her sense of humor, joke telling ability, and playful pranks. Most noteable was the famous Halloween prank she played on Charles several years ago in Houston. (if you need more info contact one of the kids). She worked at the Houston Coop Creamery with her good friend Myrtle Otis for many years. She and Myrt shared the same sense of humor and loved working together as it was usually more fun than work. She was also the bookkeeper for Halvorson Oil for over 15 years. She rarely missed a game, concert, recital, or any other event that her 5 kids were involved in. She and Charles lived in Nevada for many years after retirement and enjoyed the many friends they made wherever they lived.

Mom we will miss you and the warm, funny, genuine sense of humor you surrounded us with.

A private family celebration will be held at a later date where Rita and Charles ashes will be combined so they can forever be together again.

Any memorials can be directed to Houston Area Cancer Support Inc., POB 75, Houston, MN 55943 or the Houston American Legion, Post 423, Houston, MN 55943

Online condolences may be offered at this site.