Rita Ann Kerber, age 88 of New Richmond, WI, passed away December 14, 2015 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Rita was born February 13, 1927 in Roberts, WI, the daughter of Fred and Ella (Cosgriff) Schulte. Rita graduated from Roberts High School, the Class of 1945. She was united in marriage to Robert F. Kerber on June 1, 1957 at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hammond. Their marriage was blessed with 5 children: Jean, Kurt, Tim, Gerald and Cindy. Before raising her family, Rita worked as a telephone operator in New Richmond, St. Paul and Minneapolis. When Rita became a mother, her focus was on her family and providing the loving care they needed. After her children were out of school, Rita worked at Smead Manufacturing in River Falls for 15 years.

Rita cherished her family and enjoyed cooking and baking for her loved ones. She was always in the kitchen, making bread or something special to warm others’ hearts. She was not only devoted to her family, but most importantly, her faith. Rita was true in praying the rosary and giving thanks to God for each day. She had a gracious and loving heart, always putting others before herself.

Rita will remain in the hearts of her husband, Robert “Bob” of 58 years; children: Jean (Fritz) Fuchs of Rosendale, WI, Kurt (Beth) Kerber of River Falls, Tim (Jane) Kerber of New Richmond, Gerald (Michele) Kerber of Greenfield, IN, and Cindy Kerber of Los Angeles, CA; eight grandchildren: Jonathan and Amanda Fuchs, Briana, Jarid and Zach Kerber, Alexandra Kerber, and Karisa and Kohler Kerber; brother, Fred (Delores) Schulte of Roberts; sister, Mary LeGrand of Seattle; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Edgar; and sisters, Elizabeth Asmus and Margaret Rivard.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00am on Saturday, December 19th at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1265 Ridgeway in Hammond, WI, with Fr. Gerald Harris officiating. Visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00pm on Friday, December 18th at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and one hour prior to Mass on Saturday. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Hammond. Rita’s grandchildren will be serving as pallbearers.