Obituary for Rita Ann Mach (Ottenweller)
Mach (Ottenweller), Rita A. of Minneapolis, age 88, died Wednesday, February 13, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents Ed and Edith Ottenweller, brothers Jerry (Ruth Aimee), Nelson (Janet), Sam (Harriet), and sisters Neva (John) Nill, Laverne (Paul) Meyer, Katie (Werner) Hohman. She is survived by sons John (Becky), David (Judy), Steve (Michele) and daughters Sally (Howard) McCollister, Therese (Michael) Raimondi, 13 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Rita graduated from Marquette University as an English major minoring in Philosophy. Rita married in 1953, moved to Minneapolis and started her family. After raising children she started her career in the incentive travel business retiring after 30+ years at age 75. She was a lifelong volunteer at various schools and women’s organizations. Rita served as a docent for the Minnesota Historical Society, The Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Minnesota Orchestra and The Basilica of St. Mary’s.
Nothing made her happier than being with her large extended family. She was the force behind their gatherings in such exotic places as Serpent Lake, Fort Wayne and Florence. Rita cared deeply about human and animal rights and championed support for the underdogs of society. Her hobbies included travel, tennis, bridge, bicycling, loving dogs, reading, movies, cooking, gardening, boat rides, and leisurely walks around the city lakes. Rita loved to eat at the best restaurants in town and attend civic events. From childhood she had an enduring commitment to her faith. All who knew her will miss her wit, sense of humor and good-natured but well-thought-out comments on current events.
A Funeral Mass celebrating Rita’s life will be held at the Basilica of St. Mary’s in Minneapolis on Friday, May 10th at 11:00 am with visitation at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Basilica of St. Mary’s, Sharing and Caring Hands and the ASPCA are preferred.
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Rita graduated from Marquette University as an English major minoring in Philosophy. Rita married in 1953, moved to Minneapolis and started her family. After raising children she started her career in the incentive travel business retiring after 30+ years at age 75. She was a lifelong volunteer at various schools and women’s organizations. Rita served as a docent for the Minnesota Historical Society, The Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Minnesota Orchestra and The Basilica of St. Mary’s.
Nothing made her happier than being with her large extended family. She was the force behind their gatherings in such exotic places as Serpent Lake, Fort Wayne and Florence. Rita cared deeply about human and animal rights and championed support for the underdogs of society. Her hobbies included travel, tennis, bridge, bicycling, loving dogs, reading, movies, cooking, gardening, boat rides, and leisurely walks around the city lakes. Rita loved to eat at the best restaurants in town and attend civic events. From childhood she had an enduring commitment to her faith. All who knew her will miss her wit, sense of humor and good-natured but well-thought-out comments on current events.
A Funeral Mass celebrating Rita’s life will be held at the Basilica of St. Mary’s in Minneapolis on Friday, May 10th at 11:00 am with visitation at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Basilica of St. Mary’s, Sharing and Caring Hands and the ASPCA are preferred.