Rita M Bertsch

Rita Bertsch passed away in Bloomington, MN, on May 7, 2026.

Rita was born to Avis and Vernon Stovall on May 17, 1932, in Dubuque, IA. She attended the University of Dubuque and the Finley Hospital School of Nursing, graduating as a Registered Nurse. She worked as a surgical nurse, emergency room nurse, and as a nurse for a Dubuque surgeon.

After spending a brief time in St. Louis, MO Rita moved to Rochester, MN in 1967 with her husband, Wendell Pittenger. She and Wendell built Willow Creek Golf Course where she took on the roles of bookkeeper and manager. Rita and Wendell were later divorced.

In 1987 Rita married Frank Bertsch and moved back to Dubuque. During her time in Dubuque, she served on the board of the Dubuque Symphony and the Bethany Nursing Home. During her time as president of the Four Mounds Foundation, she was instrumental in developing the Fellowship program to increase fundraising and to enhance volunteer participation in youth development and facility management activities.

After Frank's death in 1997, Rita returned to Rochester. She was active in the community for many years serving as deacon at First Presbyterian Church, facilitator of the Rochester Methodist Hospital gift shop program, treasurer for the Friends of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and as a board member of the Rochester Duplicate Bridge organization.

Rita moved to Bloomington, MN in 2025 to be closer to her sons, Jim and Bob.

Rita is survived by her sons, Jim (Jeanne Ronayne) Pittenger, Bob (Sheilagh Johnson) Pittenger, her step-children, Jeff (Diane) Bertsch, Steve (Donna) Bertsch and Carrie (Loras) Bleile, and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, Frank, and her sister, Colleen Henkel.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 11AM-2PM at Ranfranz and Vine Remembrance & Reception Centre, 5482 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. lnurnment will be at a later date in Dubuque, IA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Rita's name to the Rochester Area Foundation or the Rochester Symphony.