Rita Lesch
Age - 89
December 5, 2023
"Hope is this thing with feathersThat perches in the soulAnd sings the tune without the wordsAnd never stops - at all. . . "Emily Dickinson, 1861Rita Mary Lesch, age 89, of Bloomington, MN, formerly of Dubuque and Peosta, IA, peacefully rejoined her Savior November 30, 2023. Rita was born to William and Marvel (Lippstock) Oglesby, and later married John Peter Lesch on October 15, 1955, in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Key West, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother William Wayne, sisters Jean (Calvin) Dutka, Ruth (Cletus) Apel, and June (Vincent) Owens; brothers Ronald (Marlene) Oglesby and James Oglesby; an infant son Michael Lesch, nieces Lisa and Rhonda Oglesby, Jane Dutka, and nephew Michael Dutka. Rita is survived by her husband John, children James Francis (Michelle) Lesch-Bloomington, MN, Amy Frances Lesch-Eden Prairie, MN, Susan Mary (William) Freiburger-Pecatonica, IL, Ann Marie Lesch- St. Louis Park, MN, Andrew John (Michaelle) Lesch, Scandia, MN, Carolyn Mary Sweeting (Chase) Hitchcock-Cedar Rapids, IA, and William Clarence (Jane) Lesch-New Ulm, MN, as well as sister-in-law Nancy Oglesby -Cuba City, WI. Rita spent joyous and loving hours with grandchildren Brett and Keri Sweeting, Kate Lesch, Ian Lesch and Erin Lesch Davis, Will and Emily Freiburger, Brendan Lesch Lindstrom, and Jack, Ted, Tom, and Jana Lesch, along with great-grandchildren Noah, Henry, Layla, Jasper, and Sara. Rita led a most remarkable life. From her modest roots growing up in what was then known as the "North End" of Dubuque, her accomplishments were many and include titles of daughter, sister, spouse, mom and grandmother, poet, educator, and artist. This brief time capsule simply cannot bear witness to the richness of the life she led or her influence upon the success of others, but as a family, we hope you see yourselves and your own families in this palette. This would give her joy!Rita early-on epitomized the qualities of a life-long learner, from her love of Holy Ghost School, through graduation from Immaculate Conception Academy in 1952. The success of her seven children was her foremost concern, she and John imbuing each with traits of perseverance and commitment to personal integrity, dedication to task, and personal growth. As her children prepared for their careers, she realized a long-held dream and entered Loras College as a very "nontraditional student," graduating cum laude in 1981. There, her enjoyment of literature and art blossomed. Subsequently she taught students whose needs were above and beyond the traditional classroom, and very successfully so for nearly a decade before formal retirement. Her passion for literature, writing, and art as well as love of politics and discovery thereafter fueled travel throughout the United States and Europe, visiting numerous nations, states, and cities, absorbing the contents of countless museums, galleries, and gardens, and homes of favorite authors, including Ms. Emily Dickinson. These adventures added not only texture to the lives of our parents, but creativity and breadth to her success as a regional poet and dedicated artist. Numerous short stories and poems, as well as newspaper commentaries reflected her thoughts on social inequities, personal challenges and successes while navigating life. More than 40 oil and acrylic works are prized by family members for their beauty and capture of life's diversity of landscapes: interpreting places she visited, experiences realized, and most importantly, moments of significance among all in the families she so deeply loved. Her two books afford us all access to her work, promising inspiration as if she were right next door. These artifacts reflect her growth as a person, her endless curiosity and ensures her legacy and profound influence for generations to come. Her art hangs lovingly and expertly framed by our father John, her partner of nearly 7 decades. A confidante without equal, and woodworker with his own creative eye and craft expertise, his hand-milled and meticulously finished materials frequently came from trees felled from their Peosta home. Theirs was a shared pursuit of beauty in producing and preserving their experiences for their children and all they might encounter. Our Rita-our Rita and beloved mother--was destined to improve the lives of those lucky enough to find her. Our memories of her reading and singing in the rocking chair. Her love of nature, appreciation for the smallest details in finance, issues of the day, or our lives. Her tenacity and competitive stance at euchre. And too, the occasional frown of disapproval that invited improvement. Her sharp wit, her warm embrace and boundless love, fearless disposition, and sage advice inspired and motivated us to become what she and our Creator promised. We prize these very traits in each other as she did in us. She would expect no less, and if you knew Rita, these were her hopes for you, too. Hers? Hers was the Life Well - Lived. In lieu of flowers a Rita M. Lesch Memorial Fund has been established. Funds may be sent in care of daughter Ann Marie Lesch, 2826 Quentin Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN, 55416. Viewing will be held in the sanctuary of St. Raphel's Cathedral, 231 Bluff Street, Dubuque, Iowa, on Saturday, December 9th, from 9:00 AM to 10:30, followed by a requiem Mass. Interment services will be held at Mount Calvary Chapel from 11:45 to Noon, followed by a luncheon. Luncheon to be held beginning Noon at Windsor Park Retirement Apartments (formerly Xavier Hospital), in the Lower Level (parking area), 801 Davis Street in Dubuque. Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements. Show more
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