Rita Ann Leader

Rita Leader HARTINGTON — Rita Ann Leader, 97 , Hartington, died Oct. 14, 2023, at Arbor Care Center, Hartington, surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Oct. 21, at 10:30 a.m., at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with the Rev. Owen Korte officiating. Burial will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Hartington.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Todd Leader, Kirk Heimes, Cary Heimes, Greg Heimes, Chris Leader, Jason Leader, Adam Leader, Nathan Leader and Matt Kathol.

Honorary pallbearers will be her granddaughters, Stephanie Maska, Angela Potts, Hope Rose, Jessica Flemming, Tami Dozon, Katrina Beckman and Takira Weise.

Visitation will be Friday, at church, from 5-7 p.m., with a Vigil service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Saturday, one hour prior to services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington.

Rita was born June 24, 1926, in rural Hartington, to John and Susan (Kleinschmit) Lauer. She grew up on a farm west of Hartington and attended District 19 Northwest Star School through the eighth grade. Rita graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1943, with a Normal Training certificate. She taught for three years in District 11 at St. James. Rita married Dallas Henry Leader Dec. 26, 1944, in Hartington. After Dallas was discharged from the Army in August 1946, they lived in Hartington. After her youngest child went to school, Rita worked for a few years in the Holy Trinity lunch program and later for Abler Transfer and Gurney’s Seed and Nursery. Rita then worked as a receptionist from 1978-1991 for Dr. C.J. Vlach.

Rita was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and held an hour of adoration for many years until age 94. She belonged to the Christian Mothers, Town and County Squares and several card clubs. She raised a large garden and canned/froze all of their produce for her family. Rita loved her flowers and enjoyed traveling and camping. Her family was most important to her and she generally hosted all holiday gatherings. Rita always had a strong faith.

Rita is survived by her four children and one daughter-in-law, Joyce (Gary) Heimes, Lincoln; Liana (Steve) Kathol, Westminister, Colo.; Bryan Leader, Norfolk; Deb (James) Weise, Nederland, Colo.; daughter-in-law, Sharon (Tim) Leader, Norfolk; 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Darlene Schmidt, Hartington; Irma Wiepen, Yankton, S.D.; Donna (Steve) Adam, Tabor, S.D.; brother, Larry (Kathy) Lauer, Hartington.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dallas, Dec. 29, 2012, at the age of 90; two sons, Dan and Tim Leader; grandson, Scott Leader; brothers, Don (Elsie) Lauer and Frederick Lauer; two sisters, Grace Lauer, Lillian Kathol; and brother-in-law, Francis Wiepen.