Rita Magdalene Schackmann Rasmussen, 96, of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away peacefully with loved ones at her side on September 3, 2023, at Fairhaven in Whitewater.

 

Rita was born on August 12, 1927, in Newton, IL to Edward and Mary (Miller) Schackmann. She was one of 12 children. Rita attended a one room schoolhouse in the 1930s. Soon after school she travelled to Chicago where she became a nanny for an area doctor. In 1964 she married the love of her life, Nels Rasmussen from Gurnee, IL. She was able to be a stay-at-home mom of ten children! She enjoyed the farm life. Rita was an excellent cook, baker, flower and vegetable gardener. Her family will forever be talking about her grilled cheese with a spread of grape jelly. Also, her laughter can be heard throughout the home everytime she watched All In The Family, Johnny Carson or The Golden Girls.

 

She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandson, Joe. She loved old time country music and had a lifelong love for Merle Haggard. Rita was a devout catholic, attending St Josephs’ Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson for 50 years.

 

She will be deeply missed by her children Edward and Alan Rasmussen of Fort Atkinson, Boyd (Julz) Rasmussen of Whitewater, Mary (Scott Sleaver), also of Whitewater.Diane (Gunther) Nothnagel of Manassas VA, Larry Rasmussen of Marshall, Wisconsin, Dixie Fields (Don, deceased) of KenoshaWI ,John (April) Rasmussen of DeSoto, WI Cindy (Scott)Yaun of DeSoto, WI, April (Chuck)Miller of La Crosse. Rita also has 23 grandchildren, over 20 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. Rita has one brother, Gene (Donna) Schackmann of Newton IL, sister Therese (Joe, deceased) Bruemmer and sister in law, Eunice , all of Newton, IL still surviving.

 

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Clarence, Ralph, Joe, Herman, Donald, Paul, Frank and Donald. Sisters that are preceding her are Charlene and Margaret.

 

Private services were held at Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson with burial at Hebron cemetery.

 

Memorials can be made to St. Josephs’ Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson.

 

The family would like to thank Agrace Hopice and the staff at Fairhaven and Hearthstone Assisted Living in Whitewater. visit www.nitardfuneralhome.com to leave your condolences for the family.