Rita Marie Neumann Serie was born on February 29, 1952, to Everett and Marcella (Rodgers) Neumann in Caledonia, Minnesota. When Rita was two years old, her family moved to West Concord, Minnesota, where she attended West Concord Public Schools with the Class of 1970. As a young girl, she enjoyed riding the family pony, ice skating on the creek, and performing flips and gymnastics in the front yard. She was good at anything that did not include climbing trees.
Rita was married in 1970 and raised three children, Maria, James, and Joseph. She was a great Mom who loved and was proud of her kids. She was good at listening, giving her opinion but not judging. A big hug goes a long way that words cannot convey.. Throughout the years, the family lived in several eastern and southern states. While living in South Carolina, Rita managed and sewed for a sewing company. Following a divorce, she returned to Minnesota and established her own sewing business, creating hunting apparel and beekeeping suits for several years.
It was at this time that Rita met the love of her life, Mark Serie. What began as a friendly little ride turned into the greatest ride of her life. Rita and Mark were married on September 2, 2006, in Lake Benton, Minnesota. Together they shared more than twenty years filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories with family and great friends.
Rita enjoyed playing cards and cribbage, bowling, swimming, and spending time in the kitchen baking Christmas cookies and candies. Her wit and humor will be remembered and missed by all fortunate enough to know her.
After courageously battling respiratory issues for several years, Rita was lovingly cared for by her husband, Mark.
Following a brief time on home hospice, she transferred to the Pipestone County Hospice House on October 30. Where she passed later that evening surrounded by her family and much love.
Rita is survived by her loving husband, Mark; her children, Maria (Shane) Dietrich of Albert Lea, Minnesota, James (Holly) Black of Hurlock, Maryland, Joseph (Amber) Black of Marshall, Minnesota, Johannah Hatley of Rapid City, South Dakota, Adam Shepherd of Winona, Minnesota, Melody Shepherd(Robb) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Molly Shepherd (Garrett) of Plymouth, Minnesota; her grandchildren, Karissa, Ashley, Sarah (Ivy), Jacob (Tori), Danielle, Ryan (Laila), Matthew, Cameron, Anton, Cameron, Ethan, Frances, Silas, Abram, Claudia, Oliver, Fionna, Eden, Tommy, and Eleanor; her great-grandchildren, T.J., Kianna, Kandyce, Olivia, Samantha, Oscar, Emma, Izayah, Joel, Savannah,Whinnie, Maddie, and Crew; her siblings, Robert Neumann of Johnsonville, South Carolina, Cheryl (Blaine) Maranell of Tyler, Minnesota, and Gary (Lisa) Neumann of Whitehall, Montana; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Marcella Neumann; her brother, Richard Neumann; and her sister-in-law, Betty Neumann.
Rita will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered.
