Rita Jane Razidlo, loving wife, loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on October 16, 2024, at Good Samaritan in Waconia, at 84 years old. She was known for her warm heart, her quick smile, and her genuine capacity to make everyone feel valued and heard.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial to be held Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Victoria Catholic Church (8228 Victoria Dr.) in Victoria with Father Bob White as Celebrant of the Mass. Visitation 1 hour prior to the Mass.
Born on February 16, 1940, in Fargo, ND, to Clem and Ruth Smith, Rita followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a nurse. She graduated from St. Mary’s in Rochester and contributed to the community as an RN at Lakeview Clinic in Waconia for fifty years, finally retiring at 75 years of age.
Rita shared a loving marriage with Leo for 61 years. Their partnership was built on mutual respect, unwavering support, and a deep love that inspired everyone around them. Together, they created a beautiful family including five children, sixteen grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren. The family was blessed with shared memories that will be cherished forever.
Rita had a passion for travel, always eager to explore new places and cultures. With husband Leo, Rita traveled across America and Canada, and later to Japan, Greece, Italy, France, Poland, Mexico, and Austria. She loved every trip taken, every sight seen.
A dedicated baker, she found joy in making delicious treats for her loved ones. Her Special K Bars, green wreaths, and popcorn balls were always in demand at family gatherings and she delighted in sending boxes of handmades to grandchildren. Rita was an accomplished knitter, crafting beautiful pieces that will be treasured by her family for years to come. Rita played bridge and bingo, cribbage and canasta, even in the last weeks of her time on Earth. She loved and lived to the fullest!
Rita was preceded in death by her husband Leo; parents Clem and Ruth Smith; father-in-law and mother-in-law Conrad and Helen Razidlo; brothers-in-law Bill Hobday, Conrad Razidlo, Don Vickery.
Rita is survived by her loving family: children Steve (Dawn) Razidlo of Doha, Qatar, Linda (Joe) Towle of Eagan, Jenny (Jay) Pexa of New Prague, Susan (Kevin) Gundrum of White Bear Lake, Randy (Carri) Razidlo of Waconia; grandchildren Ryan (Mandie) Buesgens, Noelle (Brady) Bussler, Aimee (Dustin) Socher, Anna Razidlo, Thomas Razidlo, Michael Razidlo, Mitchell (Ashley) Lay, Brooke (Andrew) Ekland, Megan (Drew) Davis, Josie Towle, Ben Towle, Nick (Rachel) Pexa, Abbey (Michael) Dolan, Jack (Ashley) Pexa, Simon Razidlo, Luke Razidlo; great-grandchildren Max Bussler, Avery Bussler, Dirk Buesgens, Blake Buesgens, Brock Buesgens, Adeline Buesgens, Beck Buesgens, Katherine Avelsgaard, Elliot Ekland, Rory Ekland, Isla Lay, Lucy Pexa, Griffin Pexa, Owen Pexa, Ada Pexa, Blakely Pexa, Wren Dolan, Frankie Dolan, baby Davis (due April 2025); sisters Kay Hobday of Hastings, Pepper Razidlo of Bloomington, Marilyn (Dick) Gauthier of Snohomish, WA, Maureen Smith of Mission Hills, CA; brother Michael Smith of Sturgis, SD; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Joe Razidlo of Burnsville, Frank (Linda) Razidlo of Lakeville, Theresa Razidlo of Portland, OR, Maria Vickery of North St. Paul; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Urn Bearers are Rita’s grandchildren.
Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia. 952-442-2121 www.johnsonfh.com
Rita Jane Razidlo, 84
