Obituary of Rita Anna Bonert

Rita was born on March 31, 1920, the daughter of Henry and Cecelia (Handfelt) Hargrafen. She attended country school and later graduated from Xavier High School. She went on to teach country school in rural Delaware County until her marriage to Leo Bonert on May 15, 1945 at the St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville. The couple farmed northwest of Worthington until their retirement in 1985. They were blessed with six children, and Rita enjoyed being a full time wife and mother. In retirement, Rita's favorite pastimes were gardening, playing cards and spending time with her family and friends. It was not uncommon to receive a phone call from Rita on a bright sunny day, just to say hello and see what was new. Rita was a devout member of St. Paul Parish in Worthington, and was active in the Altar and Rosary Society. Survivors include her daughter Mary (Arnold) Allamand of Scotch Grove, IA, her son Ron (Gail) Bonert of Dyersville, her son Steve (Jane) Bonert of Hopkinton, a son-in-law Forrest Smith of Anamosa, a daughter-in-law Patty Bonert of Farley, 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one sister-in-law, Leona Freiburger of Delhi. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo, two sons Carl and Jerome, daughter Barbara, two grandsons Mark Allamand and Cory Bonert, brothers Lawrence and Ray, and sisters Agnes and Margaret. The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to Hospice of Dubuque and the staff at Shady Rest Care Center in Cascade for the compassionate care given to Rita. A memorial fund has been established in Rita's memory. Friends may call from 2 - 8 p.m. Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa where a parish scripture service will be held at 5 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 24, 2011 at St. Paul Catholic Church, Worthington, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Robert Gross with Deacon Fred Pins assisting.