Anita was born Aug.7, 1931 to her parents, the Rev. Martin and Pauline 'Pfenniger' Ritzen in Victoria, TX. She was baptized by her father at Trinity Lutheran Church. Her siblings were Ralph, Ruth Ellen, Leander and Norman.
The family moved to Lincoln, NE in 1930s where Martin began his ministry at Tabitha Home. When Anita was10 they moved to Fontanelle, NE where Martin served as pastor until his death in 1953. She was confirmed at Salem, Fontanelle in 1945.
Anita graduated in 1949 from Fremont Sr. High after boarding in Fremont her last two years of schooling. She excelled in academics, choir, Triple Trio, and piano and was salutatorian of her class. She was a Church Musician who sang or played for hundreds of worship services. Her adult years she learned the pipe organ and rehearsed diligently.
Anita was united in marriage to Kai Myron Brand Aug. 2, 1949 at Salem Lutheran, Fontanelle. They farmed northwest of Fremont and raised Doug, Nancy and Jan. During these years Anita was choir director, confirmation instructor and organist at Salem. She was employed at JCPenney, Soil Conservation Service and the Fremont Public School Administration office. Those busy years were filled with 4-H fairs, neighbors, Sugar and Spice Extension Club, family birthday parties, graduations, and church events. The family surprised Myron and Anita on their 25th anniversary party, hosted by Bob and Bev Knoell. The family hosted a big Lawrence Welk Special 50th Anniversary celebration in 1999 at Salem Lutheran, Fontanelle where children and grandchildren performed Champagne Music favorites.
They retired to an acreage in Fontanelle in 2000. Anita was caregiver to Myron as he struggled through Parkinson's. The family shared many visits at Hooper Care Center with music and ice cream. She moved to Tabitha Grace Pointe in Lincoln, NE in January 2021 and recently to Tabitha Journey House Hospice Care.
Survivors: Brother Norman (Lavonne) Ritzen; children Doug (Gail) Brand, Nancy (Joel) Schroeder, Jan Madsen; Eight grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, Brand Family in-laws Elaine, Connie, Darold (Kathy), Steve (Paula), Randy (Peg); nieces and nephews
Preceding her in death: her parents, husband Myron, son in law Galen Madsen, infant great granddaughter Allison, and Anita's siblings Ralph( Ree) Ritzen, Ruth Ellen (Richard) Hansen, Leander (Jean) Ritzen.
Visitation, Monday, February 10, 2025 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont from 3pm to 7pm, with the family present from 5pm to 7pm. Celebration of Anita's Life 10:30am, Tuesday, Salem Lutheran Church in Fontanelle. Burial will be private. Memorials to the church.
*** There will be no viewing at the church the day of the service***
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(10)
Jill Hartman
Fremont, NE Tuesday, February 11, 2025 So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.Jill
WANDA E KRUGER
OMAHA, NE Tuesday, February 11, 2025 So sorry for your loss. Anita was a servant of our Lord. She was always gracious, helpful in every way. She was a wonderful neighbor at the family farms outside NW Fremont. Wanda Knoell Kruger.Char Manes
Kansas City, MO Monday, February 10, 2025 Jan and family,We were heartbroken to learn about the loss of your mother. You are all still mourning Galen’s departure which was so sudden. She is such an accomplished woman and always a bright spot in all the lives she touched. But to you and your siblings, she is your mom and a big part of your lives. Know we send our love and comfort.
Char and the KC Crew.
Rudie & Lori Nemec
Hooper, NE Sunday, February 9, 2025 Dear Nancy and JoelWe are so sorry about the passing of your mother. She was always so kind and friendly.
With our Deepest Sympathy.
Thinking of you and all of your family.
Rudie and Lori Nemec
Lynn & Jeannine Moeller
Hooper, NE Sunday, February 9, 2025 Doug, Nancy, Janet & Families,Our sympathy to all of you as you mourn the loss of your Mom. Many memories of her from growing up in the Fontanelle church. She was a kind, caring lady. May God grant you peace now and in the days to come.
Caroline A Hargrove
West Point, NE Sunday, February 9, 2025 So very sorry to hear of your loss. May the Lord wrap His loving arms around you and give you peace.Her father sprinkle baptized me as an infant and we attend the church in Fontnelle, NE for several years. I went to Sunday School and VBS there till we moved when I was in the first grade. He also married an Aunt and Uncle there.
Fond memories of those times.
Dale Ritzen
Austin, TX Sunday, February 9, 2025 I will always remember Aunt Nita with a smile on her face and a LOT of energy. Trying to keep up with her while hiking up Estes Cone during one of the Ritzen family reunions at Estes Park was a real chore! She was always ahead of the crew as we tried to find our way up the trails. Same thing happened at the reunion in Aurora. She was always at the "head of the pack" as we walked down the lanes around the Leadership Center. Truly a woman with an exceptionally happy outlook on life, which easily translated to the many good times we had with the Brand family as we grew up. Somewhere in the ethereal realm I'm certain that her light shines brightly, whether she's singing with the heavenly choir or playing the huge pipe organ for them...Rosanne Placek
Fremont, NE Sunday, February 9, 2025 I was so sorry to hear about Anita’s passing. I worked with her at Fremont Public Schools for years. She was always inquiring about my family, talking about Myron and her family and sharing photos and stories about making applesauce for her grandkids.When some of us visited her in Seward and Lincoln, she was almost the same Anita, proudly showing us how she keeps in touch with everyone on her IPad and sharing photos of her family.
She was the ultimate “grandma” and one of the most compassionate people I have ever known.
Ervin Sanders
Topeka, KS Saturday, February 8, 2025 I remember all work parents did for community and 4-H. That mom knew dad like to drink milk Shake. With best wishes.Ervin Sanders
Eileen & Bob Thornburg
Fremont, NE Saturday, February 8, 2025 Dear Nancy & Joel; family of Anita:We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
What a special, talented mom, who was strong in faith & family. When I think of Anita, I think of her smile & kindness to all.
May she rest in peace, as you carry on her love and talents.
Sincerest sympathy,
Eileen & Bob Thornburg