Rita passed away just six days shy of her 88th birthday.
Rita Anita Marie (née Challe), married Edward Wetendorf on February 27, 1960 and were together for 66 years.
Rita and Ed eventually settled in Ear Falls, where Rita worked for many years as head waitress at The Trillium and helped run the family business, D&E Minnows. In retirement, they created their cherished “home away from home” at Celt Lake. They also spent many happy years wintering in Florida, where they enjoyed much time together at bingo halls and with friends.
Rita will be lovingly remembered for her incredible homemade perogies, butter tarts, donuts, and bread—favorites that family and friends could never get enough of. She had a deep love for people, a quality that never faded, even as she lived with dementia in her later years.
For the last 2½ years of her life, Rita resided at Northwood Lodge Home for the Aged in Red Lake. The staff there became an important part of her life, and her humor, feistiness, and kind nature left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Our family is deeply grateful for the care, compassion, and dedication they showed her.
Rita is survived by her beloved husband, Ed; her children, David (Gretchen), Joanne (Brian), and Wendy (Buzz); five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Jean and Armande.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date.
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Donna Johnson says
April 29, 2026 at 8:26 amCondolences to Ed and family.
Art Wagner says
May 4, 2026 at 9:40 amED and family so sorry to hear of Rita passing remeber her well from the time in kenora she always had a smile on her face RIP RITA
Roger Bouvier says
May 5, 2026 at 10:31 amEd and family, our deepest condolences in the recent passing of our cousin Rita. I remember Rita well from our growing up days in St. Georges, Mb. I remember your visits to St. Georges visiting family and all the fun and laughter. She will be missed.
Caroline Liedtke says
May 12, 2026 at 6:23 pmSincere condolences from our family to yours.