Rita M. Biesterveld age 84 of Rock Falls, WI, died January 4, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family, as a result of an aggressive pancreatic cancer. Rita was born December 13, 1934 to Mathias and Emma (Dettling) Bechel.  Rita married William P. Biesterveld Jr. on October 20, 1954 in Plum City.  Rita and Bill lived and farmed on their farm in Rock Falls their entire married lives. Rita and Bill had eight children, five boys and three girls. Rita was a devoted wife and mother. She was a lifetime member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Rock Falls, where she donated countless hours of service over the years.  She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, quilting, baking, gardening, and had great pride in her flowers.  She had beautiful flowers all over her yard.  In her retirement she discovered a love for reading, and was known to stay up all night just to finish a good book.  She was also very proud to be involved in sewing dresses and shorts to send to orphanages in Africa.   Besides working on their dairy farm, Rita worked at Sacred Heart hospital from 1984 to 1996.  She loved spending time over the years at her daughter's greenhouse where she met so many people and loved the opportunity to spend so much time with her daughters.  She volunteered at the American Lutheran Home in Mondovi and was also very busy babysitting and spending time with her grandchildren.  Rita will most be remembered for her quiet, sweet personality that always saw the good in everyone, and would do anything for anybody. 

Rita is survived by her husband of 64 years, William; her children, Shari Biesterveld of Rock Falls, Steve (Jean) of Eagle Lake, MN, Deb Biesterveld (Kim Stafford) of Durand, Dan (Margie)of Arkansaw, Lori (Kerry) Falkner of Mondovi, Kevin (Cheryl) of Rock Falls, Kris (Stacy) of Rock Falls.   Grandchildren:  Casey (Joey) Falkner, Andrea (Derrick) Westphal, Hailey (Dustin) Poeschel, Jason (Lindsay), Sarah, Derek, Jacob, Joshua, Joe Biesterveld.   Great Grandchildren, Charlie, Cashton and Evelyn.   Step grandchildren: Tim Stamschror, Rene (Kevin) King, Nathan Dusek, Kelly (Keith) Heller.  Step great-grandchildren:  Andrew, Allison, Abby, Finnley, and Kaleob. Rita is also survived by one sister, Sr. Rita Marie Bechel of La Crosse, two brothers, Lawrence (Bernadine) Bechel of Plum City, Casper (Margaret) Bechel of Mondovi; a sister-in-law, Marcella Bechel of Elmwood, many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

 She was preceded in death by her firstborn son, Patrick John, her parents, five brothers, five sisters and many other relatives.

 Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday January 11, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rock Falls with Rev. Joseph Nakwah officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery

 Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Condolences

1. VICKY AMMERMAN January 17, 2019, at 9:44pm

   Debbie: I was so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I remember her when she worked at Sacred Heart. I lost 2 of my friends from Pancreatic cancer in the past year and they both went very fast after being diagnosed. I can imagine how your dad must be feeling as we lost my Dad 1 week after Mom and Dad's 61st anniversary. At least you have a large family to give him support as he will need it in the days ahead. My dad died in 2016. Last weekend was his 89th BDAY and my mom is still grieving his loss. Every holiday that comes by will be hard for your dad and for you. Hope everything else is going good for you.

2. Kathy Hutter-Messier January 10, 2019, at 9:00pm

   So sorry to hear of Aunt Rita's passing. We are unable to attend any of the services but you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

3. Curt Kummer January 9, 2019, at 4:13am

   I’m sorry for your moms passing, you have my deepest sympathy

4. Kris and Dave Polzer January 8, 2019, at 12:25pm

   Sending our sympathy to Rita's family at this time of your loss.

   Sincerely,
   Dave and Kris Polzer

5. Clay Scott January 7, 2019, at 9:21pm

   Rita was such an amazing lady and will be truly missed. Every opportunity to spend time with her was special. I will forever associate peanut butter balls with Grandma Rita.

6. Mike and Pam Baier January 7, 2019, at 6:05pm

   Our sympathies and prayers go out to all family and friends....

7. Paula. Smith January 7, 2019, at 2:51pm

   Kris and Stacey and family so sorry for the loss of your mother and mother in law and the kids grandma will keep all of you in my prayers

   Paula Smith

8. Nadine Schuh January 6, 2019, at 5:16pm

   I'm so so sorry for your loss of such a kind soul,. I usually send this little note as it really helped ease the pain when my dad and sister and brother passed.

   ( When a loved one leaves to go on a trip we sadly say "Good -bye", BUT at the other side they are joyously exclaiming, "WELCOME !!" )

   I think that's how it was with Rita when she was being greeted at her New home.

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