Rita A. June

1931 - 2012

Rita Ann (La Sarge) June, 81, of Marshfield, formerly of Alma Center, was called to her heavenly home on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, at the Marshfield Care Center under Ministry Home Hospice Care.

Rita was born Feb. 21, 1931, in La Crosse, daughter of Harold and Marciel (nee Crook) La Sarge. She grew up on the north side of La Crosse with four brothers and five sisters. She attended La Crosse Franklin grade school and graduated from the Logan High School in 1949.

Rita married the love of her life, George E. June in Sparta on Aug. 19, 1950. They farmed several years in the rural Sparta area. A few years later they purchased their own farm north of Sparta to raise their five children. In 1965 the June family moved to Alma Center, where they owned and operated the "George & Rita's Tap" Bar and Restaurant. Upon selling the business, Rita later went to work for the "Family Heritage Care Center" in Black River Falls and bartended part-time for Esser's Bar in Alma Center. Rita loved to cook and enjoyed raising her family. She always put everyone else first and enjoyed the company and merriment of her family. Rita also enjoyed crocheting and doing stitch work from pre-made patterns.

Shortly after her husband's death in March of 1990, Rita moved to Marshfield. There she lived comfortably within the assisted living family environment. She later obtained her own apartment at the "Parkview" high rise building in downtown Marshfield. She loved her new apartment with the decorating and new-found independence of living with making decisions and choices of her own. Mother was always fun and warm hearted, a pleasure to visit.

After a few health set backs Rita decided she could no longer stay or live by herself. She then made residence at the Marshfield Care Center. Within her new home care setting she met more friends. She enjoyed visiting, laughter, bingo, sewing, reading and working word puzzle books. Rita enjoyed caring for and aiding her room-mate(s). She was never short of giving her all to assist, aid or be of comfort for someone else. She always knew her time would come when she would receive and cherish her rewards.

Rita is survived by her sons, Ronald (Carrie) June of Alma Center, Floyd (Roberta) June of Marshfield, Brian (Joan) June of Kenosha; and her daughter, Kathy (James) Klomsten of Pigeon Falls. She is further survived by 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Rita is also survived by three sisters, Jeannine Simon and Trudy Brieske of La Crosse, and Beverly Limberg of Onalaska. She is also is survived by two brothers, William and James La Sarge, both of La Crosse. She will be dearly missed by all her family and friends closest to her.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Lorraine and Terroll; two brothers, Robert and Howard La Sarge; her husband, George E. June; and son, Steven G. June; and daughter-in-law, Beverly June.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in Alma Center. The Reverend Greg Mandigo will officiate. Burial will follow in the East Lawn Cemetery, Alma Center.

Family and friends are invited for visitation on Saturday, March 3, 2012, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Pallbearers will be Adam June, Robert June, Scott June, Wade June, Ryan June and Troy Klomsten.

Memorials may be given in Rita's name to the Marshfield Care Center LLC, or the Ministry Hospice Home Care of Marshfield.

The Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home of Hixton is assisting the family with arrangements.

The June family wishes to thank the staff of Marshfield Care Center and the caregivers of Ministry Hospice Home Care of Marshfield for all their guidance, support, kindness, and care for Mother throughout her illness. The June family would also like to thank Cory and Carl Schilling of Hansen/Schilling Funeral Home of Marshfield, for their much needed guidance and professional care.