Rita (Backes) Denissen

Rita Ann (Backes) Denissen, 91, of De Pere, passed away Thursday, March 16, 2023, at her home. Rita was born October 8, 1931, in New London- the youngest of 11 children born to William and Mary (Morgan) Backes. She received her first communion at Sacred Heart Church on July 28, 1940. She attended New London High School, graduating on May 27, 1949.

Rita was a Girl Scout leader and worked at Bordons Dairy in New London until she answered her call to enter the convent of Sinsinawa Dominicans in Sinsinawa, WI. She entered the Congregation for the Sinsinawa Dominicans in September of 1954.

In 1955, she received her white habit and veil of a novice and name “Serena”. In 1956, she made her first profession of vows, receiving her permanent profession of vows in 1959.

Rita received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Edgewood College of the Sacred Heart in Madison, WI on August 12, 1966. She taught school in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Madison before leaving the congregation in 1970. She taught in the Green Bay School District for 27 years, retiring in 1993. Most of those years were at Webster School teaching first and second grade classes.

She married “Frank” Jerome Francis Denissen on June 15, 1982. Sadly, Frank died September 13, 1984.

After retirement, Rita enjoyed volunteering at the Wiedner Theater, swimming, walking, reading, playing cards, visits with family & friends, and weekly casino trips with Lou.

On December 1, 2018, Rita had a mild stroke while living at the McCormick Home. She went to Woodside rehab in Green Bay for therapy for several weeks following her stroke. Unable to return to McCormick Home due to safety concerns over her use of a walker with their stairs and the lack of vacancies at Woodside, Rita went to Wyndemere Home following rehab and later settled at Residents by Rennes in West De Pere.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her five brothers: Ronald, Garret, Morgan, Cyril (Zeke), and Bernard Backes; and her five sisters: Margaret Karuhn, Helen Smerling, Gertrude Wolf, Mary Roloff, and Evelyn Loughran.

Survivors include her nieces & nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Family and friends may gather Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 5246 Saint Patrick Rd, Stiles, WI. Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM at church with Fr. Bob Karuhn officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Rita’s family encourages donations to Unity Hospice or a Dementia care organization of your choice.

A special thank you is extended to Carol, Mike and Alice, and Father Bob for the devotion and love they so generously gave to their aunt’s care.