Rita G. Olsen, age 97, of Sheboygan, passed away on September 16, 2025 at Sheboygan Progressive Health Services. Rita was born in Sheboygan on January 8, 1928, the daughter of the late Jacob “Jake” and Angela (Brotz) Klein.
She attended St. Peter Claver Parish grade school, graduating from 8th grade in 1941. Rita then attended Central High School graduating in 1945 at which time she began working at Armour Leather Co. as a secretary, where she met a returning U.S. Marine and on September 7, 1946 she married that marine, Wesley Olsen, at St. Peter Claver Church.
Rita was an active lifelong member of St. Peter Claver Parish. She served as President and Treasurer of its Christian Women’s Society, along with serving on many of its committees. She was also active on the Septemberfest committees, fish frys, bingo and was a Girl Scout leader for 11 years.
When she returned to work, it was as its first office secretary at St. Peter Claver Parish for 25 years, retiring in 1988.
Rita was an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan, attending as many games as possible in a season, and going down to Arizona for their spring training. She also enjoyed golfing, bowling, reading, playing cards, traveling, doing crafts and raising roses.
She was presently a member of the New Life Choir and the Alleycats.
Survivors include two daughters, Barbara (Dennis) Bastil and Mary Messner of Sheboygan; nine grandchildren, Julie (Jon) Buchholz of Edgerton, WI, John (Natalie) Olsen of Holmer, WI, Denise (Al) Rick of Sheboygan, Lisa (Paul) Wagner of Plymouth, WI, Brian (Samantha) Bastil of Sheboygan, Matthew (Amy) Antes of Sheboygan, Joshua (Angie) Antes of Waukesha, Kristen Besaw of Sheboygan, and Katie (Travis) Severson of Sheboygan; 19 great-grandchildren, Nolan, Gretta, Emmitt and Hazel Rick of Sheboygan, Madeline and William Buchholz of Edgerton, Selena Antes, Adanta Besaw of Sheboygan, Wesley Olsen of Holmen, WI, Lucas and Jacob Wagner of Plymouth, Briella, Brayden and Declan Antes of Waukesha, and Ethan and Elliot Antes of Sheboygan, Max and Emma Bastil of Sheboygan, Kinley, Cadence and Kali Severson of Sheboygan; one great-great grandchild, Mya Serrano of Sheboygan.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband Wes of 67 years in 2013; sons Michael and Joseph; her parents; her father- and mother-in-law; three sisters and three brothers-in-law. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter Claver Church, 1439 S. 12th St., Sheboygan, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025 with visitation at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery following the Mass. In lieu of flowers a Memorial Fund is being established in her name.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice and the staff at Sheboygan Progressive Health Services for their care.
Please accept our condolences as you mourn Rita's passing. My mother, Geraldine (Brotz) Barnes, has such fond memories of her cousin Rita and the time they spent together at St. Peter Claver grade school. That connection lasted all of these many years and Rita was always kind to call Mom when there was Brotz family news to share. Mom sends her love to all of you. We pray that you find comfort in the the loving memories you shared and in the care of those who surround you.
Mary and Barb, Joe and I are so sorry for the loss of your mom. I have so many memories of your parents and mine, in my parent's kitchen, laughing and playing cards. May she rest in peace.
Dear Olsen Family. I was sorry to read of Mrs. OIsen's passing but am confident she is Resting In Paradise. I remember her well, she and Mr. Olsen being good friends of my parents Henry and Margaret and me having graduated from South High with Mike and the two of us at St. Peter Claver grade school. I remember being at her house one year for Mike's birthday. I checked on the year and it would've been 1959 because Mr. Olsen took a bunch of fellas to the Rex Theater for the movie "The Last Blitzkrieg." Afterward we went to her house for hot dogs. Good memories always. May God bless and keep you in the memory of her.
Barb and Mary: So sorry for your loss, but your mom lived a great life. She had the gift of hospitality. When I was a pre-teenager, in addition to all the things mentioned, she not only helped out with Claverlads, but she put up with all the kids from Mike's baseball team at the house. I do not know where she got her energy from, but it lasted a long time and I appreciated her encouragement through the years. She was an equal member of that Wes-Rita team.
Barb and Mary,
So sorry to hear of Rita’s passing.
Fond memories of bowling with her, Barb and my Mom. Also, who could forget the Jug Club! I’m sure the group is celebrating now that they are all together again.
My deepest sympathies.
Maureen Koenig
