Rita L. Gelhar

Rita L. Gelhar, age 88 of Hastings, died suddenly but peacefully on Saturday morning, October 10, 2020, at United Hospital in St. Paul following complications from a fall. Rita Laura, the daughter of Michael and Amelia (Yetzer) Braun, was born on June 25, 1932, at home in rural Hampton Township, Dakota County. On April 27, 1957, Rita was united in marriage to Richard "Rich" Gelhar at St. Mary's Catholic Church in New Trier. They were blessed with five children, many memories, and were able to recently celebrate sixty-three years of marriage. Rita was a longtime member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church where she volunteered for many years, and also enjoyed volunteering at Regina in Hastings. She was a talented crocheter and enjoyed giving her final products to family and friends. Even though she never drove, Rita enjoyed going for rides and was always making sure whomever was driving was doing it correctly. Most of all, Rita was a dedicated homemaker, and would do anything for her family. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Junilla, Edward, Jeanne, Nora, John, Tom and Collette. Rita is survived by her loving husband, Rich; children, Vernon (Kim) Gelhar, Donna (Nick) Fox, Julie (Will) Mann, Paul (Cathy) Gelhar, and John (Wanda Bennett) Gelhar; ten grandchildren and many great grandchildren; siblings, Bernice Klahr, Vince Braun, and Leo Braun; brothers and sisters-in-law, Mary Braun, Jerry Gelhar, Herman (Betty) Gelhar, and Irene Dalbotten; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Private family interment will be held at the parish cemetery. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday morning at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hastings Family Service, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, or to the donor's choice in memory of Rita. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.