Rita Rotta

Rita M. Rotta, age 96 of Perham, died Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at Perham Health. Rita has been a faithful servant and Jesus has rewarded her by calling her home to be with Him.

She was born on November 26, 1925 to Leo and Agatha (Siebels) Berns in Perham, MN. She was raised on the family farm and attended St. Henry's Catholic Church. Rita graduated from Perham High school before going to work at Kemper Drug store.  She married Albert A. Rotta in 1948 and raised 10 kids. 

Rita, being strong in her faith, was a member of the St Henry's Christian Mothers & Catholic Daughters, Holy Family Catholic Aid, American Legion Auxiliary, and St. Agnes Mission. 

Rita had many talents, she learned to sew when she was five years old and made clothes for her doll from her mother’s material scraps. She also learned to knit and crocheted as a child. Later in life, she learned hardanger embroidery and made many beautiful pieces, including an altar cloth for St. John's Catholic Church in Hopkins, MN. 

When Al died in 1974, she took over Young's Jobbing House, running it for many years while raising her five youngest children. 

Rita is preceded in death by her mother and father; husband, Albert; children, Margaret and Paul; siblings; Catherine Doll, Mary Lou Stoderl, Charlie, Jim, John and Jerry Berns.

She is survived by children, Dorothy (Michael F.) Doll of Perham, Theresa (Mark) Zwart, of Grove City, Chris (Darrel) Branch, of Minnetonka, David of Perham, Beverly of Plymouth, Tom (Dawn) of Gilbert, AZ, Eileen of Bemidji and Greg of Eden Prairie; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren; siblings, Joe (Barb) Berns, Leonida Fritz; many nieces, nephews, and good friend, Alana Herrmann.

We would like to thank Perham EMS, Emergency Room Doctors, and staff and the Hospital Doctors and staff.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Perham. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 30 at Schoeneberger Funeral and Cremation Service of Perham, with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. and Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume at church one hour prior to mass. Interment at St. Henry’s Catholic Cemetery.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com