Rita Ann Leader

Rita Ann Leader age 97 of Hartington, Nebraska died on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Arbor Care Center in Hartington, surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Hartington with the Rev. Owen Korte officiating.  Burial will be at St. Michael’s cemetery in Hartington. Visitation will be on Friday, at church, from 5-7:00 p.m. with a Vigil service at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue on Saturday one hour prior to services.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons – Todd Leader, Kirk Heimes, Cary Heimes, Greg Heimes, Chris Leader, Jason Leader, Adam Leader, Nathan Leader, and Matt Kathol.

Honorary pallbearers will be her granddaughters – Stephanie Maska, Angela Potts, Hope Rose, Jessica Flemming, Tami Dozon, Katrina Beckman, and Takira Weise.

Rita was born on June 24, 1926 in rural Hartington to John and Susan (Kleinschmit) Lauer.  She grew up on a farm west of Hartington and attended District 19 Northwest Star School through the 8^th grade.  Rita graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1943 with a Normal Training certificate.  She taught for three years in District 11 at St. James, NE.  Rita married Dallas Henry Leader on December 26, 1944 in Hartington.  After Dallas was discharged from the Army in August of 1946, they lived in Hartington.  After her youngest child went to school Rita worked for a few years in the Holy Trinity Lunch program and later for Abler Transfer and Gurney’s Seed and Nursery.  Rita then worked as a receptionist from 1978-1991 for Dr. C.J. Vlach.

Rita was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and held an hour of adoration for many years until age 94.  She belonged to the Christian Mothers, Town and County Squares, and several card clubs.  She raised a large garden and canned/froze all of their produce for her family.  Rita loved her flowers and enjoyed traveling and camping.  Her family was most important to her and she generally hosted all holiday gatherings. Rita always had a strong faith.

Rita is survived by her four children and one daughter-in-law; Joyce (Gary) Heimes of Lincoln, Liana (Steve) Kathol of Westminister, CO, Bryan Leader of Norfolk, Deb (James) Weise of Nederland, CO; daughter-in-law Sharon (Tim) Leader of Norfolk; 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; three sisters Darlene Schmidt of Hartington, Irma Wiepen of Yankton, SD, Donna (Steve) Adam of Tabor, SD; brother Larry (Kathy) Lauer of Hartington.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dallas on December 29, 2012 at the age of 90 years; two sons Dan and Tim Leader; grandson Scott Leader; brothers Don (Elsie) Lauer and Frederick Lauer, two sisters Grace Lauer, Lillian Kathol; brother-in-law Francis Wiepen.