Rita Pesek
Rita Pesek, age 101, of Canby, MN passed away Thursday, March 30, 2023 at the Sanford Canby Medical Center. Memorial Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in the St. Leo Catholic Cemetery, St. Leo, MN. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN is entrusted with the arrangements.
Rita said her farewell goodbye on March 30, 2023 with family by her side at Sanford Canby Medical Center in Canby. She was proudly on her way towards her 102nd birthday. She was preceded in death in 2008, by her loving husband, Frank.
She was the surviving sibling of the 12 children of parents Vincent and Mary Jelen, of St. Leo, MN. Her brothers and sisters were Edmund, Joseph, Albert, Cecelia, Alois, Matt, Francis, Leo, Clem, Lucille and Lillian. She was also predeceased by son-in-law, Anthony Mondello.
Rita married Frank in her early 20's and moved to a farmstead in Swede Prairie Township. She is survived by children, Patricia Mondello, Maui, Hawaii; Bill (Carole) Pesek, St. Paul; and Lyn (Steve) Fredrickson, Robbinsdale, MN; and her wonderful grandchildren: Jennifer (Shawn Sr), and Marc (Desiree), Cristina (Dean) and Daniel (Jessamay).
Rita's great grandchildren, Shawn and Jaxon, Ethan and Ava, Mika and Miles and Julian, all made her so proud. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Shirley (Matt) and many nieces and nephews.
In 1990, they moved to 310 Pine Avenue, surrounded by neighbors so kind and thoughtful. In 2022, Rita moved to another friendly home setting of staff and residents at Sylvan Place, a wonderful assisted living community.
Her positive attitude towards life and her motto; Get Up, Dress Up and Show Up followed Rita throughout her entire life. She was a joy and fun person to be around for her family, neighbors and friends. Rita, Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and friend, you will be dearly missed!
She asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the St. Leo Cemetery Tree Fund in care of St. Peters Church, 307 4th St. W, Canby, MN, 56220.