Rita Baumler
Rita Baumler
Rita Theresa Baumler, 92, of West Union, Iowa died Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Stoney Brook in West Union, Iowa. She was born June 8, 1928 to Henry and Ida (Blong) Lansing in Ossian, Iowa.
Rita was united in marriage with Melvin Baumler on June 19, 1950. To this union seven children were born. Rita was an active member of the Holy Name Rosary Society and Catholic Daughters of America, where she served as grand regent. She spent her life as a homemaker. She enjoyed music, dancing, playing cards, gardening, crocheting and sewing. She sewed many dresses and other clothing throughout the years, including at least one dress for each of her children’s wedding. In later years, she created many beautiful quilts.
Surviving Rita are her daughters, Arlene Smith of Onalaska, Wisconsin; Ruth McKinnon of Clyde, California; Diane (Mikael) Hakansson of Palo Alto, California; sons, Don (Donna), Mark and Kevin all of West Union, Iowa; brother, Richard Lansing of Ossian, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Baumler in 2004; daughter, Jean Baumler in 2006; son-in-law, Steve Smith in 2005; sister, Theresa Baumler; brothers, Clarence Lansing and Virgil Lansing; and many brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws.
The family held a private service on Tuesday, January 5that Holy Name Catholic Church. Condolences may be sent to Don Baumler, 1305 Hwy. 150 South; West Union, IA 52175.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa helped the family with arrangements.