Nov. 17, 2018 – West Bend, WI – Rita Mary Steinbach, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 14, 2018. Rita was born in Kenosha to Frank and Elizabeth (Doerfler) Jornt on June 30, 1925. She graduated from St. George Catholic Grade School and from Kenosha High School in 1943. She worked at Jornt Brothers Hardware Store owned by her father and uncle and fondly recalled her days as a young “soda jerk” at Lencioni’s ice cream parlor.
Rita married John Peter Steinbach in Kenosha on September 10, 1949 and together they provided a happy home for their seven children. Rita dedicated her life and love to her family.
A lover of music, art, and theatre, Rita encouraged the talents and creativity of others. She is remembered for her sense of style and her appreciation of life’s simple pleasures. She approached the end of life with grace, gratitude, dignity, and humor.
Rita is survived by children Ann, Mary Kary, Susan (Rick) Gilbertson, Franz “Bink” (Colleen Ryan), Peter (Martha Leishman), Katherine “Kate”, and Paul. She is remembered lovingly by grandchildren Kathryn (Andrew) Wood, Alyssa “Ali” and James Gilbertson, and John “Jack” and Elizabeth “Libby” Steinbach, and by great-grandchildren Viviana, Zander, and Abigail Wood.
In addition, Rita is survived by nephew Peter (Jill) Hennes and children Johanna and Michael, by niece Jacqueline (Gennaro) Esposito, and by other relatives and friends.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents; by brothers F. Lawrence, Harold, and Raymond; by nephew Jeffrey Jornt; by Gennaro Esposito; by Gerhard, Marion, and Margaret Hennes; and by John, her husband of 55 years.
Rita’s life will be celebrated at Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend on Friday, November 23 with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. followed by Mass at 10 a.m.
The family thanks all caregivers at The Gardens of Hartford, Cedar Community, Serenity Villa and Horizon Hospice.
The Schmidt Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or to COLUMNS of West Bend, designated for the John P. and Rita M. Steinbach Scholarship, would be greatly appreciated.