Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in St. Joseph for Rita Marie Rassier, age 93, of St. Joseph who passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by her family. Reverend Brad Jenniges, OSB will officiate. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday and after 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday both at Heritage Hall Parish Center in St. Joseph. Parish prayers will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday at Heritage Hall Parish Center in St. Joseph.
Rita was born on June 6, 1929 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Alfred and Loretta (Feddema) Bromenschenkel. She graduated from Cathedral High School in 1946. On October 21, 1948, Rita married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Rassier at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. They lived in St. Joseph all of their lives, raising nine children and running a dairy farm. Later Rita worked at the St. Benedict’s Food Services and then at Treasure Chest. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in St. Joseph and a volunteer at the Women’s Guild and Catholic Charities.
Rita’s family was her greatest joy; she loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was fortunate to be a presence in all their lives. She remained sharp as a tack and was able to live at her home until her final days. Rita loved visiting with friends and relatives, reading, and playing cards.
She is survived by her children, Joyce Sutphen (Walt Cannon) of Chaska, Mike of St. Joseph, Joe (Fiona) of Deephaven, Dan of St. Joseph, Nancy (Greg) of Orono, Kevin (Etta) of Maple Grove, Rick (Penny) of Sauk Rapids, Tony (Julie Neuwirth) of St. Joseph; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Jeanie Heltemes of White Bear Lake, and Phyllis (Friday) Thielman of Avon; brothers, Gib (Doris) of Fargo, and Jim of Minneapolis; sister-in-law, Gail Bromenschenkel; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bob in 2015; daughter, Betty in 1967; sisters, Betty Traut, Edwina “Eddy” Ross; brothers, Kenneth “Kenny”, Roger, Leo, Victor “Vic”, Earl and one infant brother.
Dear Rassier Family,
What a beautiful mother you had. Though she is now with the “love of her life”, she is still fresh in my memory. She was so kind, loving, welcoming and cheerful. Traits she passed on to her children. I just loved her, and you guys too. I am not able to attend your moms services, but will keep all of you in mind as you renew her salvation. Love and blessings! Mary Jo Beuning (Loso)
I know Rita only through amazing stories that filter through her devoted family members. Although I never did get to the “farm” I did visualize the happy memories it contains – hats off to Rita for creating an amazing saga of happy lives!
My condolences to my cousins on the loss of their beloved mother. I always loved visiting with Rita on the farm! Take time to process the memories, grieve and heal!
Tony, Julie, and family . . . So sorry to see you’ve lost your Mom. May you find comfort in the love from your friends and family.
When I was a young girl ,Rita was like a mother to me, she always welcomed me into her home,I was one of the kids. When I would see her as an adult, 60 years later, she continued to show her love. She will be dearly missed. My sincere sympathies to all the Rassier kids for the loss of their mother, she will continue to watch over you.
Although we never actually met your mother, we have met her in the poems that Joyce has written about her. May she continue to be with you in those good memories.
Dan, sorry to hear your Mom passed. So nice she had stayed on the farm. My Dad will be 95 in a few weeks and still with us. I enjoy him and I am sure you enjoyed your Mom’s company.
Dan, sending you and your family love and support during this difficult time. May happy memories comfort you.
Merle & I have delivered meals on wheels & holy communion many times. Rita was always friendly & happy. She was a delight & very religious. God Bless Rita & her family.
Dear Rassier Family, my deepest condolences to all of you. I have been friends with Kevin for many years and on our runs he would share family stories that were filled with love and laughter and that all started with your mom and dad. She will be missed as much as she was loved.
Dear Rassier Family
I am so very sorry. Your mom was such an amazing woman! All of you were her # 1 priority all the time! We all love her! She is now an angel keeping all you safe! God’s blessings to all of you! Love you!
My sympathy to your family, Rita was such a sweet lady always with a smile on her face and a hug to give to me.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in St. Joseph for Rita Marie Rassier, age 93, of St. Joseph who passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by her family. Reverend Brad Jenniges, OSB will officiate. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday and after 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday both at Heritage Hall Parish Center in St. Joseph. Parish prayers will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday at Heritage Hall Parish Center in St. Joseph.
