Rita Marie Pardee

With aching hearts, we share word of our dear mother’s death. Rita Pardee took a final, quiet breath in the afternoon of October 3, 2023. She was 92 years old.

Rita was born November 26, 1930, to Frank and Eleanor (Kiefer) Bohman. She and her siblings were raised on the family farm north of Brillion. Rita graduated from Brillion High School in 1949. She met Robert (Bob) Pardee on a blind date two years later. They were wed in April of 1953.

Rita was devoted to Bob. She was his quiet strength and partner throughout their 68 years of marriage. They farmed in the Town of Harrison. Rita was happiest working outdoors in the garden, fields, or barn. In later years, the couple took over The Woodshed in Menasha where they restored furniture. Rita often joked that she was the stripper. When they retired, Rita and Bob enjoyed winter months in Texas.

Rita’s legacy as a mother is assured. She raised her four daughters with love and taught values and life skills by example. Her love grew to enfold her daughters’ husbands. She cherished her six grandchildren and delighted in her four great-grandchildren.

She had smiles for everyone, and counted many as her friends.

Left to celebrate Rita’s life and mourn her passing are her daughters and sons-in-law: Susan and Ken Moran; Nancy and Tom Tompkins; Linda and Gil Drewa; and Mary Pardee and Dale Cox. Six grandchildren will miss their Grandma Rita, too: Brent Hauble, Sheila Hauble, Rob (Mary) Tompkins, Brian Tompkins, Nick Drewa, and Kevin Drewa. She also has four great grandchildren: Max, Hannah, Harrison, and Orin. Rita is further survived by her sister, brothers, and cousin who was like a brother: Dolores Krueger, Lawrence (Marcella) Bohman, Clarence (Beverly) Bohman, and Ed (Ruth) Kiefer.

Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bob; a sister, Helen Bohman; and a brother-in-law, Merlin Krueger.

A celebration of Rita’s life will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, October 10, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, N369 Military Road, Sherwood. Visitation will be Tuesday at the church from 9 AM until the time of the Mass.

We are grateful for and thank Mom’s attentive care team at The Landings of Kaukauna and St. Croix Hospice.