Rita Kay Linde

Rita Kay Linde

May 24, 1954 - August 10, 2025

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Obituary

MADISON - Rita Kay Linde, age 71, of Fitchburg, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025, surrounded by love. Rita always knew how to keep moving. Over the years, she lived and loved in Madison, Austin, Texas, Green Bay, Wis., and Minneapolis, Minn., and surrounding areas. Rita touched lives and made friends up until the very end and will be deeply missed by many.


Born Rita Kay Kill on May 24, 1954, in Morris, Minn., she was the daughter of Leonard and Katherine (Jost) Kill. Rita worked as an insurance broker and business owner for many years. She had the pleasure of building a business and career with her dear friend, Kay. Finally retiring with her diagnosis at 69. Rita raised three children of her own and was happy to have special friends call her ‘Mama Rita.’


Rita enjoyed spending time with friends, family, and her crazy dogs, Petey, Gus, Izzy and Buddy. She loved to travel, especially enjoying her times in Mexico and lakeside in Northern Wisconsin.


Rita would want to be remembered for her helping hand, her listening ear and creating space for those who needed her.


Rita is survived by her two daughters, Leah (Branden) Schertz and Greta (Clay) Neigher; grandchildren, Molly and Miles Schertz, and Ruby and Ferris Neigher; and siblings, Bob Kill, David Kill, Lori Wiese, Ron Kill and Leo Kill; and her Claussen siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents; and son, Luke Linde.


In keeping with Rita’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org). Condolences may be made at LetterstoRitaKay@gmail.com.


Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road

Fitchburg, Wis.
(608) 442-5002


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WE
Wanda El-Amin
Other •
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Rita Kay Linden. May the blessings of the Almighty help to comfort you all in this difficult time...always..Wanda El-Amin and family
SP
Sheena Priester
Other •
Rita, my great brunch and lunch friend…she always found the best places to eat. We shared lots of laughs and chats together. Despite everything she went through over these past few years, she faced it all with great courage and with always a very positive spirit. Heartfelt condolences to Greta, Leah and their families. Sheena Priester
BR
Beth Mutchler Roby
Other •
When Nora (Jost) told me Rita had passed away, I had no words and here, 2 weeks later, I still have no words. I have seen Rita only at the occasional class reunion since I left Morris but when I did see her, it felt like no time had passed since our last meeting. We ran together in junior and senior high (what years...) and shared a house with another woman in college. She tried to teach me how to bake bread (I failed) and gave me home perms in the kitchen. I am so sad that's she's gone and will miss her. To Rita's family and friends, I am so very sorry for your loss.
LK
Lizz Kennedy
Other •
As a friend of Greta and Leah’s, I got to know Rita well over the years- especially through visits to their beautiful lake cabin in the summer time. Those weekends are some of my most treasured young adult memories. Rita was a fabulous hostess and she made the tastiest dinners. She played 70s folk music in the background, which really nailed the vibe. I deeply admired Rita’s fierce spirit, her wisdom and her no-nonsense attitude. Losing Rita marks the end of an era. Her presence will be deeply missed by many. 🦅🕯️❤️

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