Rita Marie Netzer

 

1940-2023

Rita Marie Netzer, age 83, of Medford, passed away Wednesday July 19, 2023 in her home surrounded by her family under the care of Hope Hospice & Palliative Care. Rita was born on Jan. 23, 1940 to Ernest and Helen Johnson. Weighing just 3 lbs., she was not expected to survive. Survive she did to become a strong, beautiful woman, wife of almost 50 years, mother of eight, grandmother of 21, and great-grandmother of 10. Rita’s education began at Hilltop School, a small, rural, one-room school which was also attended by her father and grandmother. She graduated from Dorchester High School in 1958, after which she attended St. Joseph’s School of Nursing for one year. She married Lawrence Netzer on Oct. 24, 1959 and were only separated by his death 7/22/2016. Rita and Larry lived for varying lengths of time in Coloma, Marshfield, Owen, Withee, and eventually made Medford, their permanent home in 1975. Rita’s work history included providing child care in Milwaukee, partner in their business, Netzer’s Locker Service, in Owen, 23 years at Tombstone Pizza and in 1990, they formed Hickory Nutz Sausage. Rita will forever be remembered for her fierce hugs, gardening, baking and cooking for as many people as possible. She loved to make lunches for the crew at Hickory Nutz, especially during the busiest times. It gave her great pleasure to interact with customers who frequented Hickory Nutz. She was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Her family was her world and her joy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence “Moe” Netzer; and her parents, Ernest and Helen Johnson. Survived by her children Lori (Mike Gleiforst) Colorado Springs, Colo., Patricia (Wayne) Denzine Holcombe, Dennis (Trish Ulrich), Angela (Brad) Isaacson, Timothy (Suzy), Jeffery (Magga), Bobbi (Dave) Breneman, and Curt, all of Medford. Grandchildren include Tony Netzer (Jacki Wilkins), Kevin (Sarah) Netzer, Alexis Anderson (Paul Spanbauer), Ryan Netzer, Justin Eckert (Annette Fuchs), Tyler Harvey, Brett House, Dillon Staples, Rieley Netzer, Ashley Hoffman, Gabrielle (Nick) Ramsdem, Lauren Sutor, Dalton Isaacson, LaTeasha Brost (Rachel Rank), Kaitlyn Netzer, Zachary Breneman, Bailee Netzer, Makayla Breneman, Tyler Bohn, Isla Netzer, and Jameson Netzer; great- grandchildren Preston, Quinn, Maya & Luca Netzer,  Evan and Paige Wilkins, Ashton and Arabella Wehe, and Colton and Conner Spanbauer. Rita was the big sister of, Linda Mertens, Colorado Springs, Colo., William, Evansville , Ind., Mary Ann Trabandt, Colorado Springs, Colo., John (Kathi) Medford, Donald (Catherine) Ashland, Ore., and Ronald (Debbie) Batesville, Ind. Funeral service will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford, on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 11 a.m. Visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. to time of service.

Paid Obituary 139836