Obit: Kawa, Rita M. (1923 - 2015)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Gosse, Halverson, Hoffman, Johnson, Kawa, Kirkpatrick, Kresha, Oleson, Olson, Scharrschmidt, Stefancin, Thompson

----Source: WIGM/WKEB Obituaries (Medford, WI) 10/22/2015

Kawa, Rita M. (Hoffman) (5 JUN 1923 - 19 OCT 2015)

Rita M. Kawa, age 85, passed away Monday, October 19, 2015 at Aspirus Nursing and Rehab under the care of Hope Hospice.

Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 23, 2015 at Hemer Funeral Home in Medford, with Deacon Joseph Stefancin officiating. Cremainal Inurnment will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Medford.

Visitation will be at 9:00 A.M. until time of services at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 23, 2015 at Hemer Funeral Home in Medford.

She was born March 20, 1930 in Milwaukee, to Andrew J. and Gladys O. (Halverson) Hoffman.

Rita attended Milwaukee Area Schools, and on November 9, 1946, Rita married the love of her life, Walter Henry Kawa, in Milwaukee. He preceded her in death on October 27, 1990.

After their marriage, they moved to the Medford Area in 1957 where she worked as a nurse’s assistant at the Medford Memorial Hospital until her retirement. Rita enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, crocheting, watching black and white movies and she was an avid Packer fan.

She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Paralyzed Veterans of America and ASPCA.

Rita is survived by her children, Michael (Judy) Kawa of Gilbert, Arizona, Vicky (Jim) Olson of Altoona, Judy Johnson of Medford, Jim (Shelly) Kawa of Withee, Nancy (Steve) Gosse of Withee, Wendy (Angela) Scharrschmidt of Rib Lake and Gail (Scott) Oleson of Curtiss; 16 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; sister Pat Kresha of Brighton, Colorado; brother-in-law: Richard Kirkpatrick.

She is predeceased by her parents, Andrew J. and Gladys O. (Halverson) Hoffman, and siblings Audrey (Kenneth) Thompson and Maryann Kirkpatrick.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Rita’s name to Hope Hospice Palliative Care in Medford.

-For online condolences, please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

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