Rita R. Swenson

Rita R. Swenson, 85, of Britt died Monday, May 3, 2010 at Westview Care Center in Britt.

Funeral services for Rita Swenson will be held on Friday, May 7, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Visitation for Rita Swenson will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2010 from 5-7 p.m. at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West, in Britt and will continue one hour prior to services at the church. A scriptural wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel.

Rita Rose Swenson, the daughter of Raymond and Ella (Weides) Mahowald, was born on January 16, 1925 in New Prague, Minnesota. She attended school at St. Wenceslaus School in New Prague and at the New Prague High School where she was involved in sports and cheerleading. Upon graduation, Rita went to beauty school in Minneapolis and returned to New Prague to operate her own beauty shop until she was married.

Rita was united in marriage to Dale Swenson on June 12, 1948. The couple made their home in Waseca, Minnesota where they raised their family of 4 children. The family moved to Britt in 1964. Rita worked for Wellik Insurance as a receptionist for several years and she utilized her seamstress abilities doing alterations for Vi-Mil.

Rita was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt where she was active as a worker and taught Catholic education classes for a number of years. She was an excellent cook and baker who gave many hours of her time to charitable causes.

Rita is survived by her loving husband Dale; 4 children: Mary Swenson of Britt, Kurt (Cathy) Swenson of Kansas City, Missouri, Paul (Jean) Swenson of New Hampton and Jon (Jane) Swenson of Britt; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brother Allen (Virginia) Mahowald; 2 sisters: Mary (William) Proshek and Margaret (John) Sexton; sister-in-law Patricia Mahowald; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Dr. LeRoy Mahowald; and sister Jane Kallal.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the West Hancock Scholarship Fund.