Rita M. Lindquist, age 83, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully Monday, August 3, 2020 at her home in Gladstone.
Rita was born December 21,1936 in Escanaba, MI, the daughter of Floyd and Irene (Chroge) Ross. She graduated from Rapid River High School in 1955. During her High School years you could always see Rita driving around town in her Grandpa’s Old Model T. After high school, she attended Augustana Nursery in Chicago, IL where she graduated in 1956 as a pediatric nurse. In July of 1957, in Chicago, Rita was introduced to her future husband, Milton Lindquist. They were united in marriage April 18, 1958 at Elim Lutheran Church in Chicago, IL by Pastor Wilbur Johnson. After the birth of her children, she remained a homemaker while raising her family. They remained in the Chicago area until returning to Gladstone 22 years ago after Milton’s retirement. Rita was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River. She was also a member of the “Calvary Quilters,” which met every Friday. Rita and Milton were both members of the Senior Smear Club in Rapid River and former members of Rapid River Lions Club. Rita enjoyed ceramics and woodworking crafts with Milton.
Rita is survived by: Daughter: Cathy Lindquist of Hammond, IN Son: Mark (Lori) Lindquist of Hammond, IN 4 Grandchildren: Joshua (Stephanie Morningstar) Lindquist of Lowell, IN David (Cindy) Hansen of Valparaiso, IN Elena (Bret) Matthews of Crown Point, IN Antonio “TJ” (Marcus) Bergergard of Hammond, IN And 5 Great Grandchildren: Lily Morningstar, Brandon and Damien Hansen, Zachary and Chloe Matthews. Sister-In-Law: Tammy Thurber Aunt: Esther Rohde, Special Niece: Christe Terrien And numerous Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.
In addition to her Parents, Rita is preceded in death by: Husband: Milton Lindquist 2 Brothers: Glen (Janet) Ross and Clifford Ross
Graveside Services are scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 3:00 PM at the Rapid River Cemetery with Pastor Stephen Gauger officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Calvary Lutheran Memorial Fund or Calvary Quilters. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Lindquist Family.
Mae Rohde - DePere, WI
A wonderful Lady, Lucky to have known her. Thank you Cathy for posting her obituary. My condolences to you and the family.
Phyllis LaVigne - Gladstone, MI
Have been a friend of Rita’s since 5th grade. She was a wonderful person and a great friend, will sure miss talking to her.
Cheryl Culver - Pulaski, WI
This fabulous Lady was my Grandmother Esther’s favorite (& only) Niece. Her wonderful Daughter Cathy would make sure they were able to visited throughout the years. Even through Rita was quite ill, she had a 1/2 written card for Grandma on her table. She always thought of others, it was her way. I was able to tell Grandma Esther about Rita’s passing today Weds. during our scheduled 3:30p Zoom Call. Not ideal, but it seemed better than writing it on a white board & showing her through a glass window. Grandma took it hard. Thankfully, I consoled Grandma by telling her that Cathy was there & Rita passed peacefully & pain free. I’m so very sad for Cathy & Rita’s Family. We will sorely miss Rita’s beautiful smile, kindness, & thoughtfulness.
Julie Landwehr - Ketchikan, AK
“Auntie” Rita was a beautiful, gentle soul. It was always so pleasant to visit with her. My prayers are with you, Cathy and Mark with your families.
Geri and Charlie - Gladstone, MI
Wonderful lady, so glad I had the privilege to know her, always enjoyed visiting the 4th. of July at Don’s.
Stuart and Suzanne - Byron Center , MI
Our deepest sympathies go out to you all. She was, and surely still is, such a sweet lady. So kind and caring. Peace be with you all. Love and Prayers…
Marilyn Salley McKernan - Sierra Madre , CA
My Condolences to the family. I went to Rapid River High School and remember Rita well, as a fun, friendly and loving friend. Sad to hear of her passing, but happily, she will be re-uniting with those she loved dearly.
Marilyn Salley McKernan
Duane and Karen Lindquist - St. Peters, MO
Rita was a cousin who is not to be forgotten. She always remembered everyone and she had a very big heart. We would spend many fun-filled evenings together in Chicago. One of our greatest memories was when we took our four children to Bozo Circus. Mark was picked to play a game at the end, and Kim played Bozo buckets. We will miss her very much! Our love and prayers go out to Cathy and Mark and their families.
Sherrill Lange (Lindquist) - New Lenox, IL
Aunt Rita was such a loving and caring woman! She always had a table prepared full of great food, her heart was always filled with warmth and kindness, and her smile very rarely left her face! I am truly blessed to have so many memories of spending my time with her, Uncle Milton, Cathy and Mark! My love and prayers go out to Cathy and Mark and all her family!
Shirley Olson - Green Bay, Wi
So sorry, Rita and I were the best of friends. We got together to do homework sitting at her Grandma Ross kitchen table. Oh what fun we had in that old Model T of her Grandpa’s zooming up and down Tebergs Hills. most scary ride is when we were trying to get up the whitefish hill, never knew if we were going to make it. I went on line to find the Esky Press so I could read her obit. sorry for the late tribute. Always tried to visit her when I was up in Gladstone. Will miss her.
Carol Lundberg - Tucson, AZ
Rita was such a dear lady & friend. I was blessed to know her when I joined the Calvary Quilters. I first became a snowbird after my husband passed away & spent my winters in Tucson Az. Then in 2013 I sold my home in Rapid River & made Tucson my permanent residence. I would come back in the summer to the U.P. & was happy to join the ladies on Friday mornings for quilting. It was such a good group of women & Rita certainly was one of the originals! For a small group they always turned out as many as 800 quilts! And Rita was definitely an important part of the assembly. I stayed at my daughter’s in Gladstone & Rita would always offer to come & pick me for quilting.
My condolences go out to Cathy & the family. May you know just how special she was to so many.
Carol Lundberg
Susan Schultz - Eagle, Wi
Dear Rita and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss .
Rita is my Grandmother Esther’s niece from Escanaba area. She always made time for Esther and stayed connected as long as I can remember. I shared photos with Cathy and Rita at her home one night and we had such a nice time. Such a kind person and truly will be missed.