Roeck, Rita Rose (Groh)
A woman of valor whose price is above rubies. (Proverbs 31). Born to this life on March 4, 1920. Born to eternal life on February 2, 2011.

Daughter of Andrew and Emily (Rauch) Groh, Rita was born in Liberty Township (Manitowoc County) and grew up on a farm near St. Nazianz. She is the last of her 11 siblings to join the Lord. She graduated from Mercy High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1937, and then attended teachers college in Manitowoc. After WWII, she and her sister Millie visited New Holstein, where she met a dashing young man who swept her off her feet. Rita and Herbert (Fritz) Roeck were married on July 19, 1947 and enjoyed life together until his death in 1995. As parents they nurtured and guided six children to successful lives: Mary (Meg) of Milwaukee, WI; Pauline (John) DeLong of Kerrville, TX; Anne of Whitewater, WI; John (Lisa A.) of San Antonio, TX; Karen (Kari) (Al) Brandt of Oconomowoc, WI; and Donna of Riverbank, CA. She adored her grand and great grandchildren: Jennifer DeLong (Derek) Gilbert and Jillian of Raymond, NH; Holli DeLong (Brian) Hagene and Patrick, Kate, and Jake of Warrenville, IL; John’s children: Johnston; Steven; Tommy (fiancée Crystal); Cassie; Nicholas Brandt (fiancée Shelly Melichar) of Weeki Wachee, FL; Stephanie Brandt (fiancé Dan Farrell) of Milwaukee, WI; and Rebecca Brandt of Oconomowoc, WI.

Rita impressed people wherever she went. She was giving, funny, energetic, and true to her friends and her Catholic faith, which sustained her throughout her life. She imparted the great gift of love of reading and sports to her children and grandchildren, and always held a special place in her heart for animals. Indeed she had a wonderful life and we’re grateful for the time with her on this earth and will cherish the memories we hold in our hearts. She was a truly wonderful woman, and we are all better people for knowing her.

In her memory, the family requests donations to your local Humane Society, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Holy Rosary Parish, or Food for the Poor. (www.foodforthepoor.org)