Rita Francis Windschitl

Rita Francis (Callanan) Windschitl was born on May 9, 1929 in Springfield, MN to Edward H. and Rose (Kriesel) Callanan. She attended St. Raphael's School in Springfield and graduated from Springfield Public School. She attended Mankato State Teachers College. Rita was united in marriage to Jerome Windschitl on July 14, 1956 at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Springfield. Over the years, she worked at Steelers Bakery, Springfield Telephone Office and a teacher's aide at Japanese Martyrs Catholic School in Leavenworth. Rita was a member of the Church of the Japanese Martyrs where she had been a choir member, Christian Mother, taught religious education and was a recipient of the Bishop's Medal for the New Ulm Diocese. She enjoyed knitting, baking and spending time with her family. Her Catholic faith was always very important to Rita and her love of family was an example for all. Rita died peacefully surrounded by her children on February 13, 2020. She is survived by her children, Joseph (Debra A.) Windschitl of Sleepy Eye, Patrick (Colleen) Windschitl of Springfield, Michael (Debra K.) Windschitl of Comfrey, Roseanne (John) Kaseforth of Springfield, grandchildren, Katie (Mark) Lax, Cassandra (Emmanuel) Saye, Allison (Josh) Nachreiner, Tom Windschitl, Shelby Windschitl, Johnny Kaseforth, Luke Windschitl, Joe Kaseforth, 7 great-grandchildren, sister, Alice Miller of St. Paul, sister-in-law, Evelyn Eischen of Comfrey and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jerome, granddaughter, Abby Windschitl, siblings, Mary Zschetzsche, Ben Callanan, Agnes Bergee, Ruth Callanan in infancy, Edward Callanan and many brothers and sisters-in-law. Visitation 1 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday, February 17, 2020 Sturm Funeral Home, Springfield Chapel 407 N. Jackson Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Visitation 2 9:30 am - 10:30 am Tuesday, February 18, 2020 Church of the Japanese Martyrs, Leavenworth 30868 Co. Rd. 24 Leavenworth, Minnesota, United States 56085 Service Information 10:30 am Tuesday, February 18, 2020 Church of the Japanese Martyrs, Leavenworth 30868 Co. Rd. 24 Leavenworth, Minnesota, United States 56085 Interment Information Church of the Japanese Martyrs Catholic Cemetery 30974 Co. Rd. 24 Leavenworth, Minnesota, United States 56085 Reception A luncheon will be served in the church social hall immediately following burial.