Rita Groene, 95, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 25, 2023, in her home at The Kensington in Fort Madison, IA. Rita was born in Fort Madison on October 13, 1928, to Herman and Clara (Pollmiller) Brandt. On April 25, 1964, she married Robert Groene and together they lovingly raised a family of six children. Rita dedicated 20 years to working in accounts payable for the Sheaffer Pen Company. She then served as the business manager for the Fort Madison Catholic School system for 15 years, retiring in 1989. During retirement, Rita took great joy in sharing her time and talents, taking on many roles including bookkeeping at Sacred Heart Parish for several years, and volunteering at the local food pantry and hospital gift shop into her 90s. She delighted in spending as much time as possible with family and friends and was always up for a friendly card game. Rita also relished being with her children and grandchildren in the kitchen, baking cookies, making the delicious coffee cake recipe passed down from her mother, Clara or preparing impressive amounts of Chex Mix and other treats for the holidays. Rita thoroughly enjoyed any opportunity for travel, and she and Bob made many trips all around the US and to many parts of the World, but her favorite place of all was unquestionably anywhere that she could be surrounded by her beloved family.
Rita is survived by two sons, Jon (Renee) Groene of Clive, IA, and Stacy (Anita) Groene of Pickerington, OH; three daughters, Lynn (Brenton) Reeves of St. Augustine, FL, Peggy (Jeff) Carpenter of West Des Moines, IA, and Gay (Dave) DeGrange of Donnellson; one daughter-in-law, Jane Groene of Greenlawn, NY; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters, her husband Robert, her son Jim, and her granddaughter Cara.
Per her wishes, cremation has been entrusted to the care of King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Sacred Heart Church, where the family will be available for visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. A rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m. preceding the visitation. The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. immediately after the visitation and will be officiated by Father Gary Beckman. Rita will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established for the Holy Trinity Catholic School System and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice. Online condolences can be shared at www.kinglynk.com.
