Rita Ann Welshons

Rita A. Welshons, age 86 of Hastings died July 12, 2014 at Regina Transitional Care. Rita was born July 22, 1927 in Dorchester, IA to Theodore and Mary (Schulte) Schwartzhoff. She was a graduate of Caledonia, MN High School, class of 1945 and married Paul R. Welshons on October 4, 1947 in Caledonia. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Martha; 3 sisters and 5 brothers. Rita is survived by her husband Paul; children Barbara (Mike) McBeath, Gretchen Welshons, Gwendolyn (Richard) Lambert, Paula (Michael Silberbach) Welshons, Marita (Mark) Bliven, Richard (Jodie) Welshons and David (Molly) Welshons; also 20 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; sisters Florence Bissen and Regina Tony; brother Robert (Carol) Schwartzhoff. The funeral Mass, officiated by Fr. David Hennen will be held 10:30 AM Thursday, July 17 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 Fifteenth St. West, Hastings. Visitation will be held 5-8 PM Wednesday at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home, 201 E Seventh St, Hastings and one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Pallbearers are Dick Tronnier, Dick Radabaugh, Jim Schneider, Charlie Peterson, Duane Groth and Roger Tonsager.In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Total Life Care Center, 919 Vermillion St, Suite 100 in Hastings, MN 55033.