Welcome to the memorial page for
Rita M. (Tonkinson) Wannemacher
September 25, 1919 ~ October 28, 2017 (age 98) 98 Years Old Light a Candle
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A candle was lit by Steve and Sharon Lofgren
on November 2, 2017 8:32 PM
Message from DEAN CROEGAERT
November 1, 2017 1:35 AM
Sorry to hear of Rita's passing. It is great to read all the other's memories and to know how many other lives she has touched. Rita was my substitute teacher for two years in 3rd and 4th grade in Hooppole Grade School. There is no doubt that she influenced my life at that age and I will always remember her from both school and church. All those years I knew her I never knew that Keith Tonkinson was her brother until I read this obituary. I am sure she will be missed by all the family but she has created a spiritual path to be back with Rudy. My sympathy to all the family members.
A candle was lit by DEAN CROEGAERT
on November 1, 2017 1:23 AM
Message from Mary Ellen (Doubler) Frank
October 31, 2017 9:13 PM
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I first me Rita as she served as substitute teacher at Hooppole Grade School. She was the epitome of a real Christian woman. She taught with such patience and kindness.I believe it was she that planted the seed of reading within me. I will always remember her quiet voice. May your memories of her bring you comfort; and your faith a measure of peace.
A candle was lit by Mary Ellen (Doubler) Frank
on October 31, 2017 9:03 PM
Message from Sandy Sturtewagen
October 31, 2017 8:24 PM
Rita was such a lovely lady. My mothet first introduced her to me when I was a teenager. Rita and my mom (Regina Fehlman) grew up together in Hoopole. My mom often reminisced about playing with Rita and her brother Keith. My first year after I graduated from college, I was a substitute teacher for the Annawan District. I spent many days teaching at the Hoopole school with Rita. She was so helpful and welcoming to me as a new teacher. After that year, whenever I saw her, she remembered me and would stop and visit. Her kindness will always be remembered.
A candle was lit by Sandy Sturtewagen
on October 31, 2017 8:07 PM
Message from Diana Franks
October 31, 2017 4:45 PM
I was so sorry to hear of Rita's passing. She was a terrific person and I always thought so much of Rita. The family, I'm sure, will have many found memories of Rita because she was able to live such a long & enjoyable life.
Message from Lynn Misfeldt Klanvon
October 31, 2017 3:33 PM
My sympathy to Rita's family. I taught music at Hoopole and in Annawan in the early seventies while she was teaching second grade. She never shared with me that she was a singer and a choir director. I wish we had could have had those conversations. I saw her several times recently at Good Sam in Geneseo for 'sing-a-longs' but the time was past that we could visit. A lovely lady who I know touched many young lives as their teacher.
Message from Merlin & Lynne Sebastian
October 31, 2017 2:27 PM
We are so sorry for your loss. She was a sweet lady.
A candle was lit by Mike and Doreen DeRew
on October 31, 2017 1:16 PM
Message from Sarah Alexander
October 31, 2017 9:06 AM
I had the pleasure of working with your mother as the Outreach Coordinator at the Geneseo Public Library. I brought books to your mom at several locations in Geneseo. We used to visit and talk about her love of books and her love of reading to the children she taught. When she was at Hammond Henry Long Term Care, I would take children's books to her in hopes she would enjoy reading them to the other people living there. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with her and getting to know her past. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Message from Amy Diericks
October 31, 2017 6:12 AM
Wishing you all peace during this difficult time.
Message from Melissa Rakestraw
October 31, 2017 1:47 AM
My sincere condolences to the family. Rita was a true gem. I feel so fortunate to have been a student in her classroom and to have known her through the church. Her love for others shone through in all she did. She was such a lovely person and will be remembered fondly.
Message from Tracy Van Wynsberghe Diehl
October 30, 2017 11:25 PM
You all have my sympathy. I attended Hooppole grade school many years ago. She was one of my favorite teachers ever. So so kind. I truly adored her.
Terribly sorry for your loss.
Terribly sorry for your loss.
Message from Fran (Hartman) Plude
October 30, 2017 9:29 PM
Your mother was very important in my life, She taught me more by her quiet, patient example & positive nurturing than any class or text could ever do. We shared more than class schedules. She was my friend & co-teacher. I was blessed to know her.
Years later, I visited her at Hammond Henry. She introduced me to a group of ladies with ease & grace. She was truly a wonderful lady. I will pray for you at this time. She is home with Rudy.
Years later, I visited her at Hammond Henry. She introduced me to a group of ladies with ease & grace. She was truly a wonderful lady. I will pray for you at this time. She is home with Rudy.
A candle was lit by Rod and Edna Wetzell
on October 30, 2017 9:28 PM
A candle was lit by Fran (Hartman) Plude
on October 30, 2017 9:14 PM
Message from Steve & Chris Sellon
October 30, 2017 6:36 PM
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom ....prayers to you all๐๐ป
Message from Karlene Croegaert Decker
October 30, 2017 4:54 PM
Rita was a wonderful neighbor teacher and friend. She was always full of knowledge and helpful in all aspects of life. I have many memories of Ritathat I will cherish always.
A candle was lit by Eileen Wolf Howard
on October 30, 2017 4:44 PM
Message from Lauri Pritchard
October 30, 2017 4:33 PM
She was honestly my favorite teacher...loved being in her class. I will truly miss her. Hugs always, Lauri
A candle was lit by Lauri Pritchard
on October 30, 2017 4:30 PM
Message from Traci Sigwalt
October 30, 2017 4:05 PM
Jim and Cathy, I'm so sorry to hear of Rita's passing. She was always sweet when she would come into grandma's room at Long Term Care. We would gently help her back. It's a difficult time but I'm hoping that all the wonderful memories can carry you through. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Wishing you God's Blessings.
Message from Larry and Judy Doye
October 30, 2017 3:43 PM
Rita was a grand lady and wonderful neighbor. Loved the trips to Franks with ice cream after., and the wiener roasts during the first snow storm of the season held in their basement. I loved her popping over for a glass of iced tea on summer afternoons. She will be missed a lot!
A candle was lit by Beth Kassander
on October 30, 2017 2:42 PM
A candle was lit by Marie C. Ufheil
on October 30, 2017 1:43 PM
Message from Corey Junior
October 30, 2017 1:38 PM
I always enjoyed seeing Rita when I did. So very pleasant to visit with. Of course she was a Cub fan too, like myself. More than that she was a just a real nice person to be around. I am sure she will be missed by many here and welcomed by many in Heaven!
Message from Beth Kassander
October 30, 2017 1:35 PM
I will always remember Grandma Wannemacher as a woman who loved God and I knew that one day through her faith in Jesus Christ that she would ascend into eternal glory. She will be missed dearly by everyone who knew and loved her.
Grandma Wannemacher, thanks for all that you did for me. There are too many things for me to last, but I am truly thankful that I had the honor of knowing you, loving you, and caring for you just as much as you did for me. Thank you for all the laughs, the tears and the wonderful meals we had together.
I love you.
Grandma Wannemacher, thanks for all that you did for me. There are too many things for me to last, but I am truly thankful that I had the honor of knowing you, loving you, and caring for you just as much as you did for me. Thank you for all the laughs, the tears and the wonderful meals we had together.
I love you.
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