Rita M. (Baeten) Martzahl

Alrita (Rita) Martzahl, 86, Wrightstown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 18, 2017. Rita was born on December 29, 1930, to the late John and Marie (VanderHeiden) Baeten. Rita attended St. Paul Catholic School and Wrightstown High School. Following school she worked at Zwicker’s Knitting Mill and Thilmany’s Pulp and Paper before marrying the love of her life, John (Jack) Martzahl, on June 3, 1950. Rita’s life centered on being a loving and caring wife and mother. She was an avid baker and made many beautiful ceramic pieces and stitchery items for her family and friends. Rita also worked at Nabisco of Wrightstown for 27 years before her retirement. She was an involved member of the American Legion Auxiliary, running the kitchen for several years, and Christian Mothers. Rita took a little time for herself to enjoy bingo, a trip to the casino, jigsaw puzzles or a match of double solitaire. Rita was preceded in death by her husband, John (Jack) Martzahl, son Ron, and son-in-law Jeff Roehrborn. Rita is survived by her children Shari (Mike) Petersen, Joe (Donna) Martzahl, Pam (Randy) Kaster, Rick (Debbie) Martzahl, and Dan (Janine) Martzahl); her ten grandchildren Cora (Curt) Bradley, Jenny (Jeremy) Zahringer, Abbey (Andy) Adrian, Mike (Rachaele) Petersen, Andrea, Kaitlin, Jamie, Jonathon, Jordan Jackson Martzahl. She is even further survived by her eleven great grandchildren Taylor, Sophia, Gavin, Emma, Cayden, Wyatt, Grayson, Evan, Trystan, Haiden and Addilyn. She is also survived by in-laws Helen, Carol, and Shirley Baeten; Jerry Martzahl, Mary Jane Milheiser, Ann (Tom) Janssen, Paul (Sandy) Martzahl and Theresa Evers. Rita leaves behind many nieces and nephews – each of which were special to her. She was also preceded in death by her eight siblings - Rob (Sally) Baeten, Marvin Baeten, Agnes (Lee) Ganzyk, Clayton (Cathy) Baeten, Leona (Robert) Merkl, John (Maureen) Baeten, James Baeten and Ed Baeten; in-laws Clara (Clarence) VanDyke, Mary (Leon) Krueger, Gene (Vivian) Martzahl, Germaine (Howard) McCabe. Family and Friends may call Tuesday, March 21, 5-7 p.m. St. Clare Parish – Wrightstown site, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at 9 am on Wednesday until 10:45 am. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 am with Fr. Brian Wideman officiating. Burial in St. Paul Cemetery, Wrightstown. Cotter Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com Our family would like to extend a special thank you to Mom’s caregivers, Mick Kalies, Connie Stephany, and Mike Petersen; Dr. Andrea Schmike, Matthew’s Senior Living and 7th Floor Oncology Staff, AMC-Theda Care for their care and compassion. Mom, we have lost you twice, once to cancer and once to God. May your second journey be one of peace and happiness with Dad. Get some rest until we meet again! You will always be in our hearts.

Reception:
St. Clare Parish-St. Paul Site
437 Main Street
Wrightstown, WI