October 25, 1937 – April 26, 2026
Rita Hansen, 88 of Whittemore, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Parc Hall in Emmetsburg. Mass of Christian Burial be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Divine Mercy Catholic Parish – St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Whittemore. Interment will take place at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Whittemore. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a Rosary at 4:45 PM in the church hall. Services have been entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of Algona. Online condolences may be left at http://www.lentzfuneralhome.com.
Rita Mae Bachman was born on October 25, 1937, in Carroll, IA, the daughter of Peter and Florence (Noethe) Bachman of Arcadia. In 1940, the family moved to West Bend, where she attended Sts. Peter and Paul Grade School and graduated from West Bend Community High School. Following graduation, Rita worked for Bankers Life in Des Moines and later for Northwestern Bell in both Des Moines and Sioux City.
In 1961, she was united in marriage to Anthony (Tony) Hansen, and together they made their home on a farm near Whittemore. Together they raised six children, Pam, Michelle, Kara, Lisa, Linda, and Dan, instilling in them the values of faith, family, and friends.
After Tony’s passing in 1988, Rita moved into Whittemore in 1998. She was a devoted member of St. Michael’s Rosary Society and the Whittemore Woman’s Club.
Rita lived a simple life enriched by a treasured circle of friends and the many cups of coffee and laughter they shared together. She traveled widely, cherishing memorable trips to Portugal, Madeira, Rome, and Yellowstone National Park. At home, she was an avid reader with a sharp mind and a love for learning. Her family often marveled at her expertise in Jeopardy! and her competitiveness when playing Scrabble.
A lifelong and loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan, Rita cheered on her team with enthusiasm and heart and offered many opinions on coaching staff and players. Above all, she was an extraordinary grandmother, offering endless love, encouragement, and pride to the family she adored.
Left to cherish Rita’s memory are five children: Pamela and Bill Gibson of Marysville, Ohio, Michelle and Brian Bultje of Mitchell, SD, Lisa and David Hopp of Earlham, Ia, Linda Grum of Thornville, Ohio, and Dan and Traci Hansen, Whittemore; fifteen grandchildren Matthew Gibson, Steven Gibson, Daniel Gibson, Emily Gibson, Sarah Bultje, J.D. Hopp, Justin (Jenna) Hopp, Jason Hopp, Frances (Eric) Zimmer, JoAnn Grum, Ethan Grum, Erika Grum, Christopher (Jen) Hansen, Drew (Cady) Hansen, and Jordan (Ryan) Kenyon; and three great-grandchildren Amelia Hansen, Olivia Hansen, and Iris Kenyon.
She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Kara, husband Tony, brothers Virgil, Marvin, Donald, Wilmer, and Ray and sisters Verene Maidment, Norma Schuller, and Minerva Montag.
Rita’s life was marked by faith and resilience. She will be remembered for her smile, her wit, and the joy she brought to all who knew her.
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