November 6, 1921 - April 27, 2015

 

Rita Herges
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The Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Rita Herges, age 93 of St. Cloud, will be at 11:00 am on Monday, May 4, 2015 at St. Mary's Cathedral, St. Cloud. Rita passed away Monday at Saint Benedict's Senior Community with her family by her side. There will be a visitation on Sunday, May 3 from 4-8:00 pm and again Monday after 9:30 AM at Miller-Carlin Funeral Home in St. Cloud. St Mary’s Christian Mothers and the Daughter’s of Isabelle will pray at 4:00 PM and parish prayers will be at 7:00 PM, Sunday at the funeral home.

Rita was born on November 6, 1921 in St. Martin, to Christian and Gertrude (Meyer) Kolb. She grew up on their farm in Richmond, with her two sisters; Agnes and Marie. They enjoyed swimming together in the nearby Richmond chain of lakes. Rita was educated in a one-room Stearns County schoolhouse with four girlfriends who remained lifelong friends. She encouraged her children to pursue a better education than what was available to her.

As years passed, Rita worked at Woolworth’s in St. Cloud. She married Paul Herges on November 6, 1947 in St. Cloud. Paul and Rita shared 65 eventful years together before Paul's passing at age 92. From St. Cloud, they moved to Foley, then Kilkenny, and back to St. Cloud where they raised their six children. Back in St. Cloud, Rita was employed by Fandel's as a department Manager for 11 years. Paul and Rita started Herges Realty Inc. and Rita became a licensed realtor. In their business, she took on advertising and photographing properties. Anyone who worked with Rita will recall the 1-2-3 approach to photo-taking. Over the years, Rita distinguished herself as the family photographer, creating volumes of photo albums. The family’s lake cabin in Richmond was a perfect backdrop capturing stories of family and friends enjoying pontoon rides and swimming the Chain Of Lakes as she had as a child. Rita tirelessly devoted her life to her family but also made time to deliver meals on wheels and maintain active membership in Daughters of Isabella, Christian Women and Christian Family Movement through her parish of St. Mary's Cathedral.

In retirement, Paul and Ria built a home in Ocala, FL and spent time traveling. With the arrival of grandchildren, Rita embraced her grandma role and spent many hours sharing books, especially "Grandma and Me". She and Paul attended many sporting events and various grandchildren activities. All the grandchildren enjoyed days at Grandma's because the cooking was fabulous and followed by treats. Rita was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and will be remembered by her ever-present smile.

Rita is survived by her six children: John (Mary Pat) Herges, St. Cloud; Fred Herges, Sartell; Julie (Titus) Calasanz, Houston; Patty (Robin) Stomberg, Blackduck, Bob (Renee) Herges, St. Cloud; Heidi (Kevin) Hall, Clearwater; eight grandchildren: Dylan, Christopher, Brett, Adam and Jake Herges, Seth (Elizabeth) and Anna Stomberg, and Emily Calasanz; great grand-daughter Violet Herges.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Herges in 2011; her parents, Christian and Gertrude Kolb; sisters, Agnes LaFleur and Marie Leyendecker.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the St. Benedict’s Senior Community for the excellent care given to Rita, and also to the many caregivers. We know how blessed our parents were to have angels care for them – our thanks and deepest gratitude to all of you.

 

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