Died Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at her home, with her children by her side.
Rita was born November 20, 1949 to Clinton (Bus) and Darlene 'Hansen' Wagner in Fremont. She was raised on a farm near Hooper. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hooper, where she remained active through her high school years. She attended country school until 5th grade and finished her schooling in Hooper, graduated from Hooper High School in 1967. She graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Nursing in 1971 and began her nursing career in Omaha at St. Joseph's Hospital Adolescent Psychiatry Division. She worked there until she married Jim Christianson on September 7, 1974 and then moved to Iowa. The couple had three children while living in Iowa. The family moved to Fremont in 1983.
Rita was experienced in many areas of nursing over the years including an extended time in teaching (Marshalltown, IA and later Midland Lutheran College), long term care and finally as a Nurse with the Fremont Public Schools (specifically with special needs children). She retired in 2012.
Rita loved quilting, reading and word puzzles. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Fremont and was very involved in various church activities. After Rita retired from Nursing, she volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity Home Store.
Survivors:
Son - Chad (Dawn) Christianson of Hooper and their children Tyler and Elli
Daughters - Michaela Christianson of Omaha
Gina (Todd) Gear of Urbandale, IA and their children Mason and McKenzie
Brothers - Tom (Diane) Wagner, John (Renee) Wagner and Eric Wagner all of Hooper
Sister - Teresa (Mike) Brohimer of Lincoln
Brother-in-law - Kevin (Cecelia) Christianson of Zearing, IA.
Mother-in-law - LaVonne Christianson of Zearing, IA.
nieces, nephews and a large circle of friends
Rita was preceded in death by her husband Jim in November 2005, parents, father-in-law Lavern and niece Shalee.
The funeral will be 11am, Saturday, February 11, 2023 at First Lutheran Church in Fremont, with a Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard service at the conclusion of the funeral, burial will be at a later date in the Hooper Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to First Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Friday from 4pm to 8pm with the family present from 6pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(14)
Valerie Hruska
Fremont, NE Saturday, February 11, 2023 This world lost a wonderful, beautiful person! Her smile made my day when I worked at FPS. My thoughts and prayers 🙏 are with Rita's family. Teresa, hugs to you!Bud and Linda Thomas
Benni5, NE Saturday, February 11, 2023 We are sadden to hear of Rita's passing. She was a joy to be around. Classy lady, she will be greatly missed.Rod & Nancy Tomrdle
Fremont, NE Friday, February 10, 2023 We are so very sorry for your loss - the world has lost a very special person. We knew Rita & Jim from when they attended St Timothy Lutheran church, many years ago & from the many years Rita was a school nurse - a very special one - that cared about all the kids. We felt very blessed to have her as a friend. She always brought everyone a smile. May God bless all of you, hold you in His care & bring you peace of heart. We extend our sincere sympathy. Rod & Nancy TomrdleCindy Diers
Fremont, Friday, February 10, 2023 My condolences to Rita’s family. She was a delight to work with during our time together at FPS. Loved her sense of humor and honest assessment of life. Her strength was to be admired.Gary Engelbart
Missouri Valley, IA Friday, February 10, 2023 Rita was a student of mine at Hooper High School. I remember her in class, working on the annual and being cheerleader for the athletics teams. Rita was a very nice and helpful person. My sympathy to the family.Mary Granger
Fremont, NE Thursday, February 9, 2023 Rita was one of those people that just made you smile!!! I had the opportunity to work with her when we were both at FPS. She was so good with the students, made me laugh, and always took the time to talk to me.Sympathies to Rita's Family.
Mary G
JoAnn Morgan
Fremont, NE Thursday, February 9, 2023 Chad and family, your Mother was a great woman and nurse. I loved working with her and just plain knowing. You have my most sincere sympathy and condolences.Duane and Nicci McManigal
Longmont, CO Thursday, February 9, 2023 Dear Family:We are sorry for the lost of your sister, an amazing woman. We send our love and prayers to all of you in these sad hours.
God Bless and keep all of you.
Duane and Nicci
Wendell Franke
Gallatin, TN Thursday, February 9, 2023 Great memories from Hooper High School with classmate Rita. Tons of smiles and laughs. So glad I got to visit with you at our 55th Class Reunion last fall. RIPAlan and Barbara Fanning
Fremont, NE Thursday, February 9, 2023 So sad. Rita was such a joy to know and to be around. Always willing to lend a hand to help or a shoulder to cry on. We will miss her very very much. Prayers and love to the family from us.cindy hinkel
fremont, NE Thursday, February 9, 2023 so sorry for your loss, what a great, fun and lovely lady, she was a joy to be around and certainly lit up a room with her smile. tho i have not seen her in awhile, I will cherish the times we were together with a smile. I am sure you will miss her greatly, hold dear and remember your good and precious times together ..God Bless you all .Eileen & Bob Thornburg
Fremont, NE Wednesday, February 8, 2023 Dear family of Rita,I so enjoyed meeting Rita at Bible Study. Her involvement & talents (& her smile) certainly will be missed at FLC.
Keep her memory alive by sharing special stories.
May she rest in peace with her Savior.
Sincerely,
Eileen & Bob Thornburg
Paul Parkert
Fremont, NE Wednesday, February 8, 2023 Loved growing up with cousin Rita and playing at the farm. Also listening to her accordion concerts for us.Caryl Grorud
Wilton, CT Wednesday, February 8, 2023 We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. Your mom was a gift to all the kids she cared for at FPS. It was a joy to work with her.May the love of friends bring you comfort and the love of God bring you peace.
Caryl and Mark Grorud