Rita Marie Johnston

Rita Marie Johnston, 91, of Wauwatosa, WI, passed away on November 25, 2023. She was born on July 25, 1932, in La Crosse, WI, to Al and Nora (Geier) Frederick. Rita was a loving grandmother and a dedicated community volunteer. She found joy in cooking and baking, always showing her love through food. Rita was also an accomplished knitter, creating beautiful pieces with her skillful hands.

Rita is survived by her daughters, Mary Johnston, Laura (Tim) Mays, and Kathleen (Henry) Walton. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Nicholas and Michael Mays, Lauren McElroy and Peter Bergquist, Christopher and Peter Walton, Devin McCollum, and Justin Holley. Rita was a proud great-grandmother to Simeon and Jordan "Hezzie" Bergquist. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Carol Frederick, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death, her husband of 50 years, Richard "Dick" Johnston, an infant son, Roy Johnston, her parents, her sister, brothers and in-laws: Lucille (Bill) Herde, Harold (Grace) Frederick, Don (Dorothy) Frederick, Jim Frederick. Kathleen (Nan) Brague, and Harold " Tiny" Johnston.

Rita attended Holy Trinity Catholic Grade School and Aquinas High School in La Crosse, WI. She later furthered her education at Western Wisconsin Technical College. Rita worked as a bookkeeper at Arenz Shoe Co. and Ben Franklin in La Crosse for many years. For over 50 years, Rita was a dedicated member of St. James Catholic Church in La Crosse, WI. She found solace and community in her faith. 

A memorial service and Mass in honor of Rita will be held on January 19th at 10:30 am at Guardian Angel Chapel, located at 10100 W. Bluemound Rd., Wauwatosa, WI. The burial service will take place on January 20th at 11:00 am at Oak Grove Cemetery, 1407 La Crosse Street, La Crosse, WI 54601. The funeral services are entrusted to Cremation Society in Milwaukee, WI. Rita Marie Johnston will be remembered for her love and dedication to her family, her kindness to others, and her passion for knitting. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.