November 21, 1925 – February 13, 2026
Rita Mae Heusinkveld, 100, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, Iowa.
She will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sioux City, IA beside her husband, Paul.
Rita was born on November 21, 1925, in Pierson, Iowa, to Oscar Loyd and Opal Mae (Brownmiller) Varner. She grew up in the area, attending and graduating from Washta High School. Rita was united in marriage to Paul Heusinkveld on July 6, 1944, in Sioux City. Together they were blessed with four daughters, Jeanette, Gloria, Paulette, and Claudia, and built a life centered around faith, family, and home until his passing.
A devoted homemaker, Rita took great pride in caring for her family. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, where no one left hungry and everyone felt cared for. She was known as a wonderful cook and baker, always preparing meals and treats that brought her family together around the table. Her family described her as a true caretaker, someone whose kindness and loving nature showed in the quiet, steady ways she served others each day.
Rita was a longtime member of St. James Methodist Church and found joy in life’s simple routines. She looked forward to completing the daily crossword puzzle in the newspaper and never left one unfinished. She loved to crochet, keeping her hands busy while creating thoughtful gifts for those she loved. Rita also enjoyed bowling, crafting, tending to her garden, and attending her TOPS group each Tuesday. And in the background of many ordinary days, there was often a Minnesota Twins game playing, as she remained a faithful fan of her team.
She liked to stay busy and found fulfillment in keeping both her hands and her heart engaged.
Rita will be remembered for her steady devotion to her family, her strong faith, and the gentle, loving way she cared for others throughout her long life.
Family meant everything to Rita. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law: Jeanette and Keith Peters of Ft. Collins, Colorado; Gloria Olsen of Emmett, Idaho; Paulette and Ben Wiedemann of Mason City, Iowa; and Claudia Heusinkveld of Clear Lake, Iowa; grandchildren,
Sarah (Seth) Ladd, Doug Wiedemann, Heather (David) McCoy, Davette (George) Martin,
Paul (Summer) Olsen, and Kevin Peters; she was blessed with 12 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren and twin girls on the way March 2026; she is also survived by her half brothers Don, Randy, Steve, and Jerry Varner; her step-sisters Rita and Margie Edwards; and her step-brothers Daryl and Russell Duncanson; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Heusinkveld; her parents, Oscar and Opal Varner; her sister, Vivian Johnston; her brother, Dale Varner; her step-brother, Tom Duncanson; brother-in-law, Lester Johnston; and son-in-law, David Olsen.
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