Rita Kester (nee Ramig) was born into eternal life and was welcomed with open arms by her Lord and Savior on November 29th. She is now dancing with her beloved husband, Ed, catching up and laughing with many family and friends who left this earthly world before her.
Rita was born in Milwaukee on October 24th, 1937, to Carl and Rosalind (nee Hassett) Ramig. Rita was the oldest of 4 children- Yvonne, Marjorie, and Donald. She was a 1955 graduate of St John's Cathedral High School, later joining the workforce at RCA Records. Not long after, she met her knight in shining armor, Ed Kester, who swept her off her feet, and they married on July 19, 1958, at St. Anne’s. They soon welcomed five wonderful boys into the world-Daniel, Dennis, Douglas, David, and Donald.
In 1967, they made Oconomowoc their home. They joined St. Jerome’s Catholic Parish and were active members. Rita proudly worked as the parish CCD secretary for 35 years, working many hours spreading her steadfast faith to the youth and parishioners. You could always see her at the St Jerome’s Holiday Bazaars, donned as Mrs. Santa spreading her joy and spirit to everyone around her. Rita and Ed also volunteered at the Summit Fire Department, and the VFW Auxiliary. In 1995, Ed and Rita moved to Watertown to be closer to their business, E & R Autobody. They moved back to Oconomowoc after Ed retired. In all these ventures, Rita was quick to make lifelong friends whom she loved dearly and treated them like family the rest of her earthly life.
Rita’s most treasured and proudest accomplishments were her five boys. With five boys, life was beautifully chaotic, but Rita never blinked and proudly took on the role as Mom. Rita and Ed taught them the proper values, to be strong, loving, successful, and to be the God-fearing men they are today.
Her grandchildren were the apple of her eye. Rita attended every sporting event, concert, church pageant, any activity that she could. Always cheering and clapping as loud as she could from the front row. She had a special relationship with each one, making sure they felt special and loved in their own way. Always showing her love as the most wonderful, amazing, grandmother could.
Family and friends were her greatest importance and joy. She adored her sisters, brother, in-laws, and many nieces and nephews. Rita cherished spending time and making wonderful memories with them, whether it be camping, cookouts, and many other family events. She loved her many church and “Cooney” friends. She lived to socialize and build strong relationships that lasted a lifetime. Her face lit up anytime she would talk about her loved ones or reminisce on memories. She treasured every minute with each-and-everyone.
Rita was known for her contagious spirited laughter, animated soul, and quick wit. She would drop everything for a friend in need, and always made you feel like you were the most important person on Earth. Always quick with a strong, warm embrace, and a whisper in your ear saying softly, “I just want you to know how much I love you, never forget that.”
Rita is preceded in death by the love of her life Ed and brother-in-law Donald Kapheim, as well as many other family members and friends.
Rita is survived by her (5) sons, Daniel (Linda), Dennis (Eileen), Doug (Tammy), David (Melody), and Don (Carrie); (11) grandchildren: Vanessa (Josh) Grendahl, Cassandra (Nick) Becker, Zachary (Ana) Kester, Michael, Matthew (fiancée Natalia), and Mason Wong, Emily Kester, Noah Kester, Mackenzie Kester, Lucas Kester, Gabrielle (Brandon) Brabender, (5) great grandsons, Logan, Archer, Jackson, Grant, and Koda; sisters Yvonne and Marjorie, brother Don, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A funeral of Catholic mass will be held on December 14th at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church W359N8512 Brown St. Mapleton. Visitation will be from 9-11 am, with Mass starting at 11am. Her family invites everyone to a luncheon at St. Catherine’s after mass. A private Catholic burial will follow that afternoon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Oconomowoc Free Clinic.
If you are unable to attend but would like to watch the service for Rita, use the following link:
St Joan of Arc and St. Catherine of Alexandria - YouTube
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Marquardt Manor in Watertown, for the years of care they gave to our beloved Rita.