Rita M. Leahy, 81, Lake Geneva, died June 22, 2016, at Aurora Memorial Hospital, Burlington. She was born Feb. 12, 1935, in Mauston, to the late James and Emma Feldbruegge Powers.
She married John F. Leahy June 15, 1957, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Mauston. He preceded her in death Nov. 16, 1997.
She was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters, Wisconsin Assn. of Meat Processors and its treasurer for 21 years.
She taught religious education at St. Francis Parish, and served on the public library board. She and her husband owned and operated Lake Geneva Country Meats.
She graduated from Madonna High School, Mauston, and Viterbo College, La Crosse. She taught elementary school at St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Lyons, St. Francis de Sales School, Lake Geneva, Randall Grade School, Twin Lakes, and Zenda School.
Survivors include her daughters, Michelle (James) Smith, Burlington, Theresa (Gary Ketterhagen) Hewitt, Burlington, Kathleen (Scott) Vorpagel, Lake Geneva, Barbara (Mark) Hess, Plano, Texas; grandchildren, Kendra Gabriel, Caleb Hewitt, Nicholas Vorpagel, Abbey Rosenquist, Kiera and Chloe Hess; great-grandchildren, August, Greta, Levi, Emilia, Eloise; sisters, Monica Jerich, West Allis, Mary Carol Powers, Rockford, Ill., Louise Maxworthy, Merrick, N.Y., Ruth (Bill) Michela, Eau Claire, Marcia (Scott) Kelley, Springfield, Mo.; brothers, Mark (Jo) Powers, Chapel Hill, N.C., Steve (Jane) Powers, Mauston; nieces and nephews.
She was further preceded in death by sisters, Ann Rogers, Jean Ahler and brother, Kieran Powers.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, June 27, at 11 a.m., at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. Visitation is Sunday from 3-7 p.m., at Steinke Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 515 Center St., Lake Geneva. Burial will be in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be given in Rita’s name to St. Francis de Sales building fund project 2017 or a charity of your choice.
Well-wishers can visit www.steinkefuneralhome.com.
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