Rita Margaret Erma Oodle Henrich-Heideman-Zimmerman, age 100, of Cherokee, IA, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2016, in Cherokee, IA, at Cherokee Specialty Care. Rita was born on December 24, 1916, to Joseph and Elisabeth (Ries) Henrich in Odebolt, IA.
Rita grew up in Odebolt and upon completion of the eighth grade, she stayed home and worked on the family farm. Rita was raised in the Catholic faith and remained a Catholic until marrying Alvin Heideman, thus, converting to a Lutheran. This union was blessed with two sons: Leroy and Kenneth. Rita later married Robert Zimmerman. Robert and Rita were blessed with four children: Steven, Linda, Sandra and Richard.
Rita worked outside of the home at various places including the bakery and cleaning for several businesses, but her biggest role was as a mother and housewife. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, baking, fishing, reading, and had a real passion for playing cards. Rita especially enjoyed having her family over for Sunday dinners. She always opened her home to family and friends and was good about helping neighbors in her community.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: LeRoy “Butch” (Monica) Heideman of Spirit Lake, IA, Kenneth (Betty) Heideman of Okabena, MN, Steven (Lucy) Zimmerman of Milford, IA, Linda Meyer of Quimby, IA, and Sandra (Robert) Stoffregen of Lake View, IA; sisters: Agnes Literski of Trempelau, WI, and Fransis Hochstein of Windom, MN; grandchildren: Jason (Sally) Stoffregen of Auburn, IA, Heather Stoffregen of Hutchinson, MN, Heidi Stout (Chris Huegerich) of Breda, IA, Holly (Corey) Cornelius of Lake View, IA, Rebecca (Roger) Kramer of Worthington, MN, Juli (Mike) Fteckmyer of Fulda, MN, Bryan Heideman (Brandi) of Canton, SD, Charlotte (Scott) Alger of Spencer, IA, Robert Heideman of Carroll, IA, Angi Lawrence of AL, Missy (Sam) Snow of Miami, FL, Michael (Holli) Zimmerman of Spirit Lake, IA, Brad (Natalia) Meyer of Lincoln, NE, Chris Meyer of Spirit Lake, IA, Kenley (Lizzy) Meyer of Sioux City, IA, and Ashley Meyer of Cherokee, IA; great-grandchildren: Heath Heideman, Kendal Heideman, Beth Heideman, Tesa Heideman, Brandon Heideman, Brianna Heideman, Jeff Alger, Joshua Alger, Kayle Heideman, Destiny Lawrence, Mallory Gibson, Tyler Stull, Austin Stull, Sage Stout, Kale Stout, Chloe Cornelius, Raymond Cornelius, Mackenzie Meyer, Brittney Meyer, Karen Meyer, Kimberly Meyer, Brody Meyer, and Natalie Meyer; great-great-grandchildren: Nicholas, Paige, Addalie, Kaydence and Kensley Heideman, Alexis and Austin Spillman, Allegra Zinnel, Kinley and Avery Alger, Ezekial Halloff and many extended family members and friends.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Elisabeth Henrich; husband Alvin Heideman, husband Robert Zimmerman; son Richard Zimmerman; grandsons Casey Troyer and Scott Heideman; several brothers and sisters.
SERVICES
3:00 p.m., Friday
December 30, 2016
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Sac City, Iowa
OFFICIATING
Reverend Donald Meyer
Reverend Donald Pobanz
VISITATION
Prior to service
1:00-3:00 p.m., Friday
December 30, 2016
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Sac City, Iowa
INTERMENT
Cory Grove Cemetery
Sac City, Iowa
