"Just learned of Ritas passing when I received the Manning News Journal. Always enjoyed playing golf and bridge with Rita. She had such a fun competitive spirit. We had many laughs and fun times together and she will be missed. My heart felt sympathies to the entire family."
In loving memory of
Rita Zerwas
June 7, 1928 - July 23, 2019
Rita Marie, daughter of John A. and Mary E. (Hupke) Theobald, was born June 7, 1928, in Mapleton, Iowa. She grew up in Mapleton and graduated from Mapleton High School in 1946. From 1946 to 1948, Rita attended Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska where she earned her teaching certificate. She taught in Ida Grove for one year before coming to Manning to teach in the fall of 1949. She enjoyed five years as a full-time teacher.
On July 8, 1952, Rita was united in marriage with Francis J. Zerwas at St. Mary’s Church in Mapleton. Four children were born to this union. Rita and Francis made their home in Manning and Rita became a stay-at-home mom. She had a love for teaching and in 1967 began a second career as a substitute teacher for 35 years in the Manning School system.
Rita was a member of Sacred Heart Church where she was active in Catholic Daughters, choir, Rosary and Altar Society, and taught CCD for several years. She was also a member of Little Flower Study Club and Wa-Tan-Ye. Throughout the years, she volunteered at the hospital snack bar, Hausbarn and Speak-up. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing cards and trips to the casino.
On Tuesday, July 23, 2019, Rita passed away at Manning Senior Living in Manning, Iowa. She was 91 years, 1 month and 16 days of age.
Rita is survived by four children: Jennifer Beck of Omaha, NE; Jessica Graner and husband Gary of Omaha, NE; Brad Zerwas of San Diego, CA; and Joanna Wanninger and husband Jim of Johnston; eight grandchildren: Stephanie Randall and husband Cory; Brian Beck and wife Emily Grenzke; Matthew Graner and wife Sherry; Steven Graner and fiancé Cody Wyatt; Michelle Michaelsen and husband Joe; Allison Graner and fiancé T.J. Johnson; Scott Wanninger; and Rachel Wanninger; four great-grandchildren: Jayden, Breck, Claire and Rori; and by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 52 years Francis Zerwas; granddaughter Katherine Beck; son-in-law Bob Beck; six brothers: Lester, Ralph, Donald, Harlan, and John and Paul in infancy; three sisters: Rosina Hoesing, Theresa Sperry (Rita’s twin) and Marie at birth.
Celebrant
Reverend John Gerald
Lectors
Allison Graner Brian Beck
Prayers of the Faithful
Rachel Wanninger
Gift Bearers
Gary Graner Jim Wanninger
Robert Beck - In Memoriam
Music
“You Are Mine” “Prayer of St. Francis”
“One Bread, One Body”
“Let There Be Peace On Earth”
Sacred Heart Choir Anne Muhlbauer, Organist
Casket Bearers ~ Grandchildren
Stephanie Randall Brian Beck Matthew Graner Steven Graner
Michelle Michaelsen Allison Graner
Scott Wanninger Rachel Wanninger
Katie Beck - In Memoriam
Interment
Sacred Heart Cemetery
Manning, Iowa
Tributes
"I just received the Manning News Journal and read that Rita had passed on July 23. I was the fortunate principal that called Rita many, many mornings to substitute teach. She would come on short notice; she was reliable. She was a dedicated teacher that not only followed the teacher's lesson plans but could improvise when necessary. She had an infectious smile, great sense of humor, and knew most of the kids and their parents. It was also my pleasure to know Francis when we moved to Manning in 1983, and I became familiar with many members of her family through the years. Rita was just a special person!"
"So very sorry to hear about Rita. It's hard to lose a loved one, no matter their age. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.."
"May Rita rest in peace"
"RIP Aunt Rita"
"So very sorry for your loss! Rita was always kind, caring and very fun-loving. I always enjoyed our Tuesday mornings together. She will be missed by many. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers. You have our sincere sympathy. Pam"
"My heartfelt sympathies to Rita's family. She was a dear friend. I've missed her since we moved to Tempe, Arizona. She truly was a special lady. May she rest in peace."
"We would like to express our sympathy to Ritas family. I always enjoyed our conversations and her smile when ever I saw her."
"My deepest sympathies to the Zerwas family. Rita was a wonderful woman and she will be missed."
"It truly was an honor getting to know Rita. She was such a pleasant woman all the time and fun to be around. I will miss having her play the dice game with nickels and her and I forming alliances against the other players. I never saw her get upset or mad at any of our staff and I know our staff is heartbroken about her passing and she will be very missed. Having her as a resident was incredible, and she honestly grew into a dear fiend of mine. Getting to know Rita's family (her kids) over the past few months has been amazing and I am so glad I had to pleasure of getting to know the Zerwas family. Thank you all for being so great to work with and putting Rita in our lives."
"I unfortunately am out-of-state. I enjoyed visiting with Rita while visiting my mom. She always had a smile and one or more comments! :) My deepest sympathies to the family! She was a great lady and had great kids!!"
"She was a wonderful woman who will be missed by many. I will forever remember all the life lessons she taught me. Jess, Jen, Brad, and Jo, you guys are amazing and will definitely hold a place in my heart. Thank you for all the laughs and good times. I will miss all of you guys. Love, Kate."
"So sorry to hear of Rita's passing. I had the pleasure of working with her in the Manning School District when she was a substitute teacher. Rita brought humor, compassion and joy into each room she entered. The love and pride was evident when she talked about her family. May you hold on to your memories, and let them guide you through these difficult times. Lois Dentlinger"
"Jess, I know how impactful the death of a mother can be, even when you've been blessed to have her with you for over 9 decades. This loss is one of life's toughest, and my heart is with you as you honor your mom and celebrate her transition to the next wonderful life."
"We are also very sorry for your loss. We have enjoyed visiting with Rita for many years as neighbors and friends of my parents. We will say a prayer for all of you."
"So sorry to hear of your Mother's death. Such a classy woman!"