In loving memory of

Rita Brown
July 1, 1935 - June 30, 2021

Rita Brown, 85-year-old resident of Hillman, MN, died Wednesday, June 30, at her home surrounded by her family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, July 3 at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Hillman with Father Jerry Schick officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. on Saturday at the church.

Rita Zidich was born on July 1, 1935, in Buryck Township, Minnesota to the late Marco and Anna (Rutchasky) Zidich. She grew up in the Hibbing area where she attended and graduated from Hibbing High School with the class of 1953. After high school Rita attended beauty school in Minneapolis and worked at the Shriners Hospital. She was united in marriage to Calvin A. Brown on May 28, 1955, in Hibbing, MN. The couple made their home in Hillman. Rita was an active member with St. Rita's Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers. She enjoyed the following activities: quilting, crocheting, painting, gardening, canning, cross word puzzles, bird watching and harvesting. Rita will be remembered by her family as the BEST Mother and Grandmother ever!

Rita will be remembered a loving mother, grandmother and sister to; Doug (Julie) Brown, Brad (Kathy) Brown, Doreen McCann, David (Stephanie) Brown, Steve (Mary) Brown; 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Charles (Helen) Zidich, Bernice (Jack) Baratto, Theresa (Jim) Landcare, Victoria (Raymond) Morris, Lorraine (Brian) Sprague, Marko (Sophie) Zidich, Kathleen (Richard) Marty, Constance (James) Willard and Veronica (Norman) Stark and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Calvin Brown on September 15, 2006; infant son, Stewart Brown; grandson, Brandon Brown and great-granddaughter, Aliah Keehr; siblings, Clara (Rudy) Nikkola, Rose (Joe) Novak, William (Sheryl) Zidich, Loretta (Robert) Kampen, Lucille Zidich and son-in-law, Glenn McCann.

A special thank you to Kathy Brown, Rita's daughter-in-law, for always being there for mom!

The arrangements for Rita are with Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Pierz. 320-632-4393.

The family has made their floral selections from Pierz Floral and Gifts. 320-468-2547.

Tributes

Leo - Nancy Lytle wrote on Jul 3, 2021:

"God bless and keep his arms around you as you remember all the love and memories. She is smiling down and her words to you are ? I?ll be ok, see you soon. ?"

Heather (Brown) Markovich wrote on Jul 3, 2021:

"I'm so sorry to hear about Auntie Rita's passing. She had such a kind and joyful spirit. Everyone was drawn to her! I always appreciated how welcoming she was when all of us extra Browns were around.? My favorite memories of her include her dancing to polka with my Grandma Ruby, bacon always cooking in her kitchen and her laugh!! Rita will be deeply missed by all who knew her! All My Sympathy, Heather"

Lynn Hoheisel Thielbar wrote on Jul 2, 2021:

"Rita is loved by so many that her memory will live on for many generations! I am sure she will guide us from heaven just as she did on earth!"

Tate and Kathi Tetrick wrote on Jun 30, 2021:

"Our deepest sympathy "