Rita K. FENSKE

FENSKE - Rita K.
(nee Johnson)
A retired Director of Nursing of the Niagara Lutheran Health System of Buffalo, passed away on June 21, 2021 at Greenfield Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was born to Cecil and June Johnson and raised on a farm in rural Galchutt, North Dakota. She graduated from St. Luke's School of Nursing in Fargo, North Dakota. Mrs. Fenske's nursing career included working at hospitals in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Toledo, Ohio. After moving to Williamsville, in 1972, she worked in several positions as Nursing Coordinator and Director of Nursing at Niagara Lutheran Home, Buffalo; Director of Nursing at St. Francis Nursing Home, Williamsville; Rehabilitation Coordinator at Brothers of Mercy Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Clarence and Director of Nursing at Beechwood Nursing Home, Getzville. Rita served many years on Niagara Lutheran's Greenfield Health and Rehabilitation Center Board and also on the St. John's Lutheran Home for Children Board representing Amherst Lutheran Church. She was active in Nursing Professional Associations and participated in various community activities as a Girl Scout Leader, CPR Instructor for the American Red Cross, and a longtime member of Amherst Lutheran Church, serving on several council positions and committees. Rita enjoyed her family and grandchildren, sewing, cross-stitching, crafting and many winter vacations in Hawaii. Rita is survived by her husband Larry, of 61 years; loving mother and grandmother of daughters, Denise (Thad) Bridges of Elliott, Iowa, Debra Daniels of Akron, Ohio; son, Brian (Julie) Fenske of Katy, Texas; and seven grandchildren, Kelly, Kimberly and Joseph Daniels, Brent and Kendall Fenske and Brittany and Bellamy Bridges. Memorials may be given to Niagara Lutheran Health System, Lancaster, NY. A brief Memorial and Celebration of Life was held. Interment will be at St. John's Cemetery, Galchutt, North Dakota. Arrangements made by the DIETRICH FUNERAL HOMES, INC. Online condolences may be shared at www.TheDietrichFuneralHome.com