Rita M. Grunwald

Rita Mae Grunwald passed away at her home at Oak Terrace in Jordan, MN on May 2, 2016, at the age of 89. She was born April 15, 1927, to Margaret (Evelyn) Doyle and William A. Hoffman. She grew up on a farm in rural Henderson and graduated from Henderson High School. Following graduation, she worked as a linotype operator at several newspapers and print shops in Shakopee, MN, & Minneapolis, MN. Her favorite shop was owned by Marion Swanson her lifetime friend and maid of honor at her wedding. In 1951, she married Lee W. Grunwald, also from Henderson. They had four children: Ann, Nancy, William (Bill) and Betty. They resided in Bloomington MN, Mahnomen MN and then later Bemidji MN. Following Lee's death in 1973, Rita returned to Henderson MN to be closer to her extended family. Rita was a wonderful cook and had a passion for sewing and quilt making. She delighted in spending time with her family; in particular her great grand children - her "greats" as she lovingly called them. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, her beautiful and giving spirit and her ability to make friends and find joy in every situation. She is survived by her children: Ann Tiegs of Moorhead MN, Nancy Maloney (John) of Henderson MN, Bill Grunwald (Donna) of Apple Valley MN & Betty Middendorf (Bill) of Omaha NE. Her grandchildren: Amy Kelly (Kevin) of Eden Prairie MN, Taunia Tiegs-Marquardt (Monty) of Willmar MN, Brian Tiegs (Keita) of Lake Crystal MN, Tara Tiegs of Minneapolis MN & Missy DeHaan (Chris) of Hawley MN, Dr. Alex Middendorf of Sioux Falls SD, Cory Middendorf of Omaha NE and her "greats" Tori, Kate and Sami Marquardt and Raegan, Rhea and Riayne Tiegs. Additional grandchildren include Lee Grunwald, John Maloney, Jr., Kelly and Tracy. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Alice Boelter and Theresa Becker and brother Frank Hoffman and her wonderful and devoted friend, Catherine Bendzick. Rita was preceded in death by her husband Lee Grunwald, her parents Evelyn and William Hoffman, her brother, Ed Hoffman, her sister, Ruth Beseke and her son-in-law, Lyle Tiegs. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 6th from 5:00-8:00 PM at Kolden Funeral Home in Le Sueur MN. Her funeral will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Henderson MN on Saturday, May 7th at 10:00 AM with visitation one hour prior. Interment at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Henderson MN following funeral service. Rita's family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at Oak Terrace and the Allina Hospice Team for their support and the loving care they provided.

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