Rita Kuehling

Rita Kuehling, age 85, a life-long resident of the Tomahawk area, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at Agrace Hospice Care in Madison. Rita's early adult years were devoted to raising her two sons and providing assistance and support to her husband, Harlan, a disabled WWII veteran, while staying connected to her large extended family, her wide circle of friends, and her community. After his death in 1983, she landed a job that was a highlight of her life, serving as an adult education counselor for the University of Wisconsin - Extension for 12 years in several north central Wisconsin counties. She was a long-time member of the Tomahawk Women's Civic Club and spent several years as a volunteer with a Tomahawk literacy program. Rita was a Cub Scout den mother and was also active in Girl Scouts. Tomahawk's Yesterfest was an annual event where she enthusiastically volunteered at the German exhibit to celebrate her heritage. Rita lived almost her entire life in the Tomahawk area, but broadened her horizons by being an avid reader and by traveling extensively with friends. She was also a charter member of the local, and fun, Red Hats Club. In August 2012, she moved to Madison, Wisconsin to be near her son Hank's family, and enjoyed new friends and activities at her independent living community. We all will remember Rita for her love of a good party and dancing, her ability to make a new friend everywhere she went, her curious mind, warm heart, sense of humor, and quick laugh, her resiliency, and her enduring smile. Survivors include, sons, Harlan 'Hank' (Jan) Kuehling, Madison, Ky (Maye) Kuehling, Greencastle, Pennsylvania, sister, Donna Magnuson, Ogema, brothers, Gerald 'Gerry' (Pat) Lamer, Sturgeon Bay, Allan 'Al' (Billie) Lamer, Sturgeon Bay, Francis 'Fran' (Kathy) Lamer, Wausau Rita is further survived by three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harlan Kuehling, parents, Joseph and Estelle (Bauer) Lamer, siblings, Margaret 'Marge' Oelhafen, Gene Lamer, and Vern Lamer, and a grandson, Matthew Kuehling. A Memorial Mass for Rita Kuehling will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2013 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Tomahawk. Fr. John Anderson will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of Mass at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Mary's School Legacy Fund, 320 E. Washington Ave., Tomahawk, WI 54487