Rita (Weber) Hafkemeyer
Rita M. (Weber) Hafkemeyer, age 90, of Sherrill, passed away at 8:08 p.m. Thursday, March 7, 2024, surrounded by her family at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital in Dubuque. To honor Rita’s life, family and friends may visit from 3-7 p.m. Friday, March 15 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 5131 Sherrill Road, Sherrill. There will also be visitation from 9-10:15 a.m. Saturday, March 16.
The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, with Rev. Tyler Raymond officiating. Burial will be in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home is assisting Rita’s family.
Rita was born September 7, 1933 in Lansing, the daughter of John and Leona (Kelleher) Weber. She graduated from high school and May 9, 1953, married the love of her life, John “Jack” Hafkemeyer. They were blessed with four children and 51 years of marriage before Jack passed away September 10, 2004.
Rita was an excellent wife and mom who also devoted 26 years to her career at Schlueter Insurance as an agent. Her faith was an important aspect of her life as evidenced by her long-time membership at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. Rita was a member of the Rosary Society and volunteered countless hours helping out with church functions. She also volunteered with the Dubuque Arboretum and the SHIIP Program through Finley Hospital.
Rita loved the beauty of nature and caring for her garden, and all of her flowers brought her great joy. In their younger years, Rita and Jack had a cottage in Buenie and spent lots of time on the river. Family was always Rita’s main focus and she loved spending time with everyone as often as possible.
Rita had a wonderful 90 years here on Earth. They weren’t always easy, but she took each day in stride with a positive attitude and trusted that God had a plan. She was deeply loved and will be missed greatly.
Those left to cherish Rita’s memory include her children, John (Sue) Hafkemeyer, Katherine (Ray) Ober, Daniel (Carol) Hafkemeyer and Kevin Hafkemeyer; a son-in-law, Frederick (Cathy) Hedley; her siblings, Esther Welsh and John (Stella Spalla) Weber; along with 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John “Jack” Hafkemeyer; and a brother-in-law, Bill Welsh.
The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Rita’s memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, IA 52001, Attn. Rita Hafkemeyer Family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com.
