Rita Rae Hengel
Saturday, July 31, 1937
Date of Death:
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Age:
83 years old
Memorial Service
Date: Tuesday February 16, 2021
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Saturday, July 31, 1937
Date of Death:
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Age:
83 years old
Saturday, July 31, 1937
Date of Death:
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Age:
83 years old
Rita Rae Hengel
Rita Hengel joined our father in Heaven Wednesday, February 10, 2021. She was born July 31, 1937 in Winona County. Rita graduated from St. Charles High School where she was 1954 Centennial Princess and a freshman homecoming attendant.
She was married to James Fugleberg in 1958 for 12 years before they divorced. They had 2 daughters; Lori Nuttall and Lisa Fugleberg. Rita cherished her girls and was the best mother anyone could have.
Rita married David Hengel in 1974. She raised David’s 3 children; John, Steve and Machelle; with him like they were her own. David and Rita have been blessed with 47 years of marriage.
Rita worked as a surgical technician at St. Marys Hospital where she was involved in the very first cardiac bypass cases. She joined McDonalds in 1969 where she truly flourished as both a leader and mentor. Rita won many awards as the first female manager of McDonalds including Outstanding Manager 12 years consequently, Outstanding McDonalds Restaurant and 1981 YWCA Women’s Achievement Award. She was extremely proud of her accomplishments but mostly so dedicated to those she worked with. They were like her family.
Rita was a beautiful person both inside and out. Always dressed to the nines for any occasion. One of her hobbies was shopping and “Oh Boy” was she good at it! She also loved dancing and motorcycling with David. Rita loved the times spent with her children and grandchildren. She was always excited to attend any of their events.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents; Joe and Celia Ryan and her 6 siblings; Earl, Glen, Lyle, Lois, Lorraine and Carol. She will be so happy to be reunited with them in heaven.
She is survived by her husband, the love of her life, David Hengel; daughters, Lori (Greg) Nuttall and Lisa Fugleberg (Fiancé, Stephen Smith); stepchildren, John (Kim) Hengel, Steve (Connie) Hengel and Machelle (Charlie) Hengel; grandchildren, Elle, Austin, Chace (Kristi) and Ava Nuttall, Christopher, Dominque and Alex Hengel, Nicholas and Sarah Hengel and Jade and Cole Hengel; great-granddaughter, Vera.
We feel so blessed to have had her throughout our lives. We know we have an angel in heaven shining a light over us. We will miss you forever!
The Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Nathaniel Schwartz officiating.
Condolences
The family of Rita Rae Hengel has received the following condolences.
David , Lori Lisa and family. I am so sorry for the loss of your wife, mother grandma. She was a. Very special lady to be not only a friend but a second mother , labor coach and just very dear person in my heart. I am so thankful for her supporting me through my rough teen years. She installed in me how to earn a hard dollar and have great work ethics. She took me under her wings and truly made me the person I am today. I am thankful for her and I will always remember her.Fod bless you all in your time of need
Dear Lori and Lisa,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I can't even imagine the pain you two are feeling right now. Rita was such a special person and I know for a fact she loved you two to the moon and back! I know she is watching over you both right now and trying to comfort you. I'm so glad I got to know your mom and spend time with her over all these years of friendship. I'll be thinking of you both and am here if you need anything! Love, Joanne
I worked with Rita many years ago @ McDonald's and fondly remembered her as one of the "Day Moms." I had no idea she was a Surgical Tech prior to that.
Lisa, you took after your Mom by 'dressing to the nine's' and have the same determination your Mom must've had as a single Mom when you were in your teens.
My prayers for peace and love are with you all.
Dave, Lori, Lisa,
I am so sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. Rita was my favorite aunt and I loved my time with her. So many Christmas’ shared at Carol’s home. Rita made the best peanut butter cake bars. Yum! I tried once to replicate but nothing like Rita’s. Rita was a great friend and I loved to watch her and Carol together, such sisterly love and laughter. Rita was fun to be with and I loved stopping at McDonalds North then South to chat with her. Best McDonalds manager they ever had. Rita always had a hug and she shared many talks. I greatly appreciate Rita and Dave for coming to Nicole’s high school graduation at our Century house.
Such a mighty fine lady! God bless and may the memories make you smile and remember such a lovely, chic , fun woman.
Sheri Trygstad Urban ( formerly Sheri Krueger)
what can i say my mother was so special, caring and loved by anyone who knew her. She was the first female manager at at McDonald’s and took great pride in what she accomplished.
She has joined Jesus and will continue to do special things . I have great comfort knowing I have an angel looking out for me. i love her with everything i have. You will be missed.
i love you mom
Lisa
My thoughts and prayers are with you, David, and yours and Rita’s families. So sorry I cannot be there with you, but know that you are in my heart.
Joyce
I remember Dave & Rita riding motor cycle with my parents. Sorry for your loss Dave. Been a long time my friend, Your in my prayers
Rita was such a special lady. We were neighbors for many years and always enjoyed visiting with her. She was so sweet to our little granddaughter whenever we would stop to see her. She loved to go see " DaveRita". She will be so missed...so sorry for your loss.
Dave and family:
So sorry to hear that Rita has left us. She was a wonderful, classy lady, and probably one of the most dedicated, hard working individual ever. We had some great times with you. No doubt you will miss her every day. Wishing you God's warm embrace, and know that her family was always her first love and priority.
God bless...
Donna & John
The best grandmothers anyone could have, she was one of the guiding lights in my life and will forever miss and cherish every moment I had with this wonderful and truly amazing person.