Rita Ann Petska

Rita Ann (Kucera) Petska, 63, of Blue Hill, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at home on February 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and dear friends, after a courageous 19-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Rita was born on December 19, 1961, in Hastings, Nebraska, to Wenceslaus and Anita (Kimminau) Kucera of Lawrence, Nebraska. She was the fourth of five children and often affectionately referred to as her father's favorite.
A 1980 graduate of Lawrence Public High School, Rita pursued her passion for healthcare at Bryan College of Nursing, earning her diploma in nursing. While working as a registered nurse, she furthered her education and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Rita's career took her through several roles-including at Superior Hospital, the Regional Center, and Med-Surg at Mary Lanning-but she truly found her calling in Labor and Delivery. For nearly 40 years, she dedicated herself to guiding mothers through childbirth, witnessing the miracle of life with deep compassion and skill. Her exceptional care earned her numerous professional accolades, but what mattered most to her were the heartfelt testimonies from the countless families she supported.
On June 25, 1983, Rita married the love of her life, Mark Petska, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lawrence, Nebraska. Their 41 years of marriage was a testament to love, faith, and partnership. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three children: Amanda, Nathaniel, and Amelia.
Rita's greatest joy was her family. She treasured time spent with her children and grandchildren, whether it was cheering from the bleachers at their events, taking long walks, waterskiing, riding her beloved horse, Elsa, or tending to her flower garden or simply basking in the sunshine. Rita was often seen walking the "route" with her good friend, Kay. She had a gift for making ordinary moments special and a heart that radiated warmth and kindness. To know her was to be loved by her. Rita's unwavering Catholic faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her with boundless love and a generous spirit that touched countless lives. She never missed an opportunity to share her faith, often inviting others to join her at Mass or pray with her. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Even in her passing from this side of eternity, she leaves us with a final invitation-to trust in the words she lived by: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Wenceslaus and Anita Kucera, her in-laws, Paul Sr. and Geneva Petska, brother-in-law, Jack Petska, sister-in-law, Cindy Petska, and niece, Elizabeth Hubl. Rita is survived by her husband Mark, her children Amanda (Adam) Kahrs of Lisco, NE, Nathaniel (Anna) Petska of Hickman, NE, and Amelia (TJ) Grubbs of Potter, NE. Grandchildren Emma, Stetson, Beau, and Anita Kahrs, and Emerson and Nolan Petska. Siblings Wray (Barb) Kucera and Karen (Rick) Hubl. In-laws Paul Jr Petska, and Kim (Greg) Beam. Many nieces and nephews. And all who called her "Mama" or "Nana" Rita.
Visitation will be held at Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska on February 23rd from 1-5pm with family present, one hour before Rosary and one hour before Mass at church. Rosary will be at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Blue Hill on February 23rd at 7:00 pm, with overflow in the parish hall. Following Rosary there will be refreshments. Mass of Christian Burial will be at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on February 24th at 10 am, with overflow in parish hall and Blue Hill Community Center. Following the funeral, burial will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Lawrence, Nebraska. Luncheon to be held at Blue Hill Community Center. The service will be live-streamed on Merten-Butler Mortuary's website. To view the service, go to Rita's obituary and click on the play button towards the bottom of the page. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com. Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church to establish a Memorial Garden.
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