Rita Maser

Photo/Donor Maser, Rita Kay MADISON-Rita Kay Maser, age 58, died on Sunday, May 17, 2009, following an accident in her home. She was born to Andrew and Sophie (Sprandel) Maser, on Aug. 10, 1950, in Rush City, Minn. Rita was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hinckley, Minn. She graduated from Hinckley High School in 1968. Rita started her college days at Lakewood Junior College in White Bear Lake, Minn.; she then transferred to St. Cloud State College and received her B.S. degree in English in 1975. Rita worked as a teacher for several years in Minnesota before moving to Madison. She then taught in the Madison School District in special education for many years. Rita continued her college education throughout her life at Madison Area Technical College. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison. Rita is survived by her mother, Sophie; sisters, Jean (David) Tenquist of Edina, Minn., and Kathleen (Dick) Clemenson of Detroit Lakes, Minn.; two nephews, Rick (Tracey) Clemenson of West Fargo, N.D., and Clay (Kathy) Tenquist of Edina, Minn.; a niece, Sue Ellen (Clayton) Toppings of Eden Prairie, Minn.; three great-nieces, Clayre and Sophie Tenquist, and Zoe Toppings; two great-nephews, Andrew and Harrison Toppings; and lifelong friend, Kathy Nelson, presently living in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia. She was preceded in death by her father, Andrew; a brother, Robert; a nephew, Robert Clemenson; and both paternal and maternal grandparents. A memorial service will be held at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1904 Winnebago St., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, with the Rev. John Ruppenthal presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or Pet Adoption Program, thru M.A.T.C., c/o Laurie Angell, 3550 Anderson St., Madison, WI 53704. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com