Rita C. Sparbel, age 87, of Tomahawk, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 at Rennes Health Center in Weston.
Rita was born on Dec. 3, 1931 in Tomahawk to George & Ann (Redmond) Riedel. She was a 1950 Tomahawk High School Graduate. On June 21, 1952, Rita was married to James A. Sparbel at St. Mary Catholic Church in Tomahawk. Rita and Jim made their home in Mosinee from 1952 until she returned to Tomahawk in 1983. Jim preceded her in death in 1976. She was employed at Nelson’s Supermarket until her retirement in 2001. Rita also worked at the St. Mary’s Thrift Cellar for 15 years. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She enjoyed knitting, traveling, baking and cooking. She especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren at family gatherings.
Rita is survived by eight children – Bryan (Connie) Sparbel of Tomahawk, Alice (Rob) Gray of Tomahawk, Joan (Tim) Harvey of Wausau, Karen (Scott) Kleinschmidt of Wausau, Susan (Michael) DeSario of Yonkers, New York, Jim Sparbel of Stevens Point, Catherine Sparbel of Tomahawk, and Robert (Lynna) Sparbel of Ham Lake, Minnesota. She is further survived by 19 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Rita is preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son – Thomas, one brother – Robert Riedel and five sisters – Elaine Kahn, Kate Kelley, Marge O’Brien, Irene Barradas and MaryAnn Leighton.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Rita Sparbel will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Fr. Louis Maram Reddy will officiate. Visitation will take place on Thursday, Oct. 24, at Krueger Family Funeral Home, Tomahawk, from 4 p.m. until the time of rosary service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Mary Catholic Church on Friday morning from a.m. until the time of Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
Krueger Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view the full obituary and leave online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.