Rita Ann Sundstrom

Rita Ann Sundstrom

Rita Ann Sundstrom, 75, of Colfax passed away peacefully at home Thursday, August 31st after her long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving husband and children. Rita Ann Johnson was born April 26, 1947. She was the oldest child of Grace and Richard Johnson. She grew up in Colfax WI and attended Colfax Schools. She played a large roll in raising and caring for her four brothers.

Rita married her high school sweetheart Brian “Butch” Sundstrom March 20, 1965. They had three sons: Ernst, William, and Jordan. While working and raising their sons she went back to school and got her accounting degree. They resided in many cities and states including Colorado, Texas, and Massachusetts, before returning and settling in Colfax Wi. Rita worked as a waitress, cook, day care owner, office manager and accountant. She worked for her 3 sons at Sundstrom’s Pit Pumping, LLC for many years and eventually retired. Rita loved to cook, bake, knit, crochet, braid rugs, sew and read. There was always a project and book by her side. There were many Christmases where she would create handmade gifts for her family. Many summers were filled with canning projects. She made the Holden Food Stand donuts for many years, estimating that she made over 10,000 donuts. Rita was a lifelong member of Holden Lutheran Church. She served as a board member and a fair stand board member. Butch and Rita spent many weekends at the family campground. She loved spending time with family. She could always be counted on to help out family and friends.

Rita was a constant support as a wife, mother, mother-in-law, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in law, aunt, grandma, great-grandma, and friend. She has left us with great memories.

Per her request, there will be no funeral or wake. There will be a Celebration of Life in Spring (April), Rita’s favorite season and month of her birth. A reminder of the celebration will be posted when the day gets closer.