Rita M. (Sevcik) Jasan, age 91, of Lonsdale, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis after a heart attack the previous Saturday. Rita was able to spend her last days visiting with all of her children and grandchildren. Her family and special friend Brenda took shifts sitting with her so she was never alone. When asked if she was ready to go to Heaven, she nodded and smiled.
Rita was born in 1932 on a farm just outside Lonsdale, a place that she thought of as “home” all of her life, although her family moved into town when she was in grade school. Rita graduated from New Prague high school and married Don a couple years later. They had 5 children and spent 62 years together through thick and thin.
Rita was a great homemaker, skilled in cooking, baking, cleaning and sewing. She specialized in comfort foods and Czech dishes like kolacky and vomacka. Her favorite phrase was, “Have some more!” Above all, Rita was a wife, mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family and doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She made every birthday and holiday a special family event with delicious meals, desserts and gifts.
In addition to homemaking and mothering, Rita worked part-time jobs over the years (including a stint as a bartender), performed volunteer work, and was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church parish--singing alto in the church choir for many years. She was also an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1953. Rita loved playing cards and visiting with friends. In younger days, she and Don could tear up a dance floor with their waltzes and polkas.
Preceded in death by husband Donald, daughter Anne, son-in-law Wally, parents Joseph and Adeline, and sister Adeline. Survived by children Don (Alberta), Catherine, Diana (Mike), Jane; son-in-law John; grandchildren Joe (Alison), Katie (Charlie), William, Nicholas, Samuel; great-grandchildren Graham, Cecilia; and other dear relatives and friends including caregiver Brenda Pederson.
Instead of flowers or monetary donations, please join us for Rita’s funeral service and/or memorial luncheon!
Funeral service: Saturday, October 28, 2023, 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Church of Lonsdale, 202 SE Alabama St, Lonsdale, MN 55046. Memorial luncheon to follow: 12:00 – 2:00 PM at Lonsdale American Legion Post 586, 115 2nd Ave NW, Lonsdale, MN 55046.