Rita M Schuelke
February 20, 1954 - May 30, 2020
Obituary
BARNEVELD - Rita Marie Schuelke, age 66, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2020, at UW Hospital in Madison. Rita was born in Madison, on Feb. 20, 1954, to Wayne and Phyllis (Melland) Schuelke, of Barneveld.
Rita was baptized, confirmed, and a longtime member of the Barneveld Lutheran Church. She graduated from Barneveld High School, then attended Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore seeking a degree in the nursing field. After graduating from the Tech, Rita was employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Veteran’s Hospital in Tomah working in the medical, psychiatric, and geriatric units for over twenty years. She also worked as a dispatcher for local emergency services in Tomah. Following her years at the VA, Rita was employed as a receptionist at Jellystone Park in Warrens, meeting many interesting visitors. She kept people safe by becoming a weather spotter in the LaCrosse/Tomah area. Rita loved spending many years at her parents’ farm viewing a variety of wild animals; bunnies even ate from her hand.
Rita is survived by her father, Wayne Schuelke, of Barneveld; a brother, Bruce (Renee) of Stone Lake; two sisters, Sonia (John) Dionne of Three Lakes and Ann (Ron) Mason of Barneveld. She is also survived by her aunt and Godmother, Lucille Kelsey of Cable; uncle, Chris Melland of Berlin; aunts, Carol Wininger of Muskegan, Mich. and Jane (Fred) Goebel of Woodstock, Ill.; her Goddaughter, Heather Bohne of Cross Plains; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition, Rita is survived by special friends, Lyn of West Bend and Sue of Tomah. She was preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis Schuelke.
A PRIVATE graveside service will be held at White Church Cemetery, Barneveld, on Friday, June 26, 2020. Memorials may be sent to Barneveld Lutheran Church in recognition of medical workers fighting the battle against Covid-19. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077
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Memories
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Stephanie Eveland
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Rest In Peace Dear Rita. She was my classmate,friend and second cousin. We went to grade school and high school together. We all loved riding around in Rita’s pickup truck driving around town and down to birch lake. She was a lot of fun!!
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Linda Seeley
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When I asked Rita for advice, here is a quote from Rita regarding the photo posted below. I thought her comment was so inspirational, that I included this picture on my music CD. Love you Rita, may you rest in peace💝. Linda Seeley "This one, I can see a story in. Looking to your destination, being with Jesus, our Savior, the Son of God. And in this picture, the beautiful sun going down, at the end of this day. We look to our destination, at the end of this day. ?"
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Shirley ( Osborn ) Kieffer
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As a Barneveld school classmate with Rita, I will always remember her as being a kind, compassionate soul. Kind to every classmate, she was a positive person, and always looked for the good in those around her. Yes, I have many memories of Rita, full of fun , a beautiful person inside and out.
Rest In Peace Dear Rita....
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Carol Bertram (Friedli)
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I did not get to know Rita as I had gotten married by the time she was born, I baby sat an awful lot for her parents so they could have an evening out. I know Bruce will remember me. Please give Wayne a hug from Carol (Friedli) Bertram. Phyllis was such a very, very person and I loved her much.
God Bless You all during this sad time. Our nurses are very precious people
Carol and Gerry Bertram - Platteville
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Debra Duffey Dunn
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Rita was a wonderful, warm and loving friend! We spent many good times together in grade school and high school! I will always remember those times and wish that our paths would have crossed more often as adults! To Rita’s family, I am so sorry for your loss & will keep Rita and her family in my prayers! Debra Dunn