MADISON / COTTAGE GROVE - Rita Alice Wandel, age 92, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024. She was born on March 20, 1932, in Avoca, Wis., the daughter of Edward and Margaret (Thurber) Sikhart.

Rita was valedictorian of her graduating class at Avoca High School. On August 11, 1956, she married Robert Wandel. In addition to being a wife and mother, she ran Wandili Rock Shop in her basement, and later owned and operated All Crafts Under the Rainbow for many years. She enjoyed a wide variety of crafts.

Rita loved traveling with family throughout her life, especially to Hawaii. People tended to gravitate towards her and wherever she went, if she didn't have friends there when she arrived, she always left making new friends. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Madison Area Miniature Enthusiasts Club, and was a beloved Girl Scout leader for numerous years. She also loved getting involved with genealogy.

Rita is survived by her daughters, Diane (Richard) Barden and Linda (Dondi) Thede; seven grandchildren, Tony Barden, Elizabeth (Kyle) Johnson, James (Susan) Barden, Adam (Caitlin) Barden, Tristan Thede, Shane (Brittany) Thede and Trevor Thede; 14 great-grandchildren, Renee, Isaac, Caroline, Abigail, Emma, Oliver, Rebecca, Hailey, Sephera, Missy, Cyrius, Ronan, Aria and Ezra; along with other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; brother, Kenneth Sikhart; and sisters, Dorothy Richardson and Ethel Sikhart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Monday November 18, 2024, with Father Mark Foley presiding. Entombment will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2024, and also at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Olbrich Gardens or the Milwaukee County Zoo would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Rita Wandel

March 20, 1932 - November 08, 2024

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