Rita Kregel
Rita Kregel, 84, of Monona passed away Saturday, November 14, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Fayette surrounded by family. A Private Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monona with Rev. Chris Podhajsky as the celebrant. Burial took place at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Monona.
Rita was born December 27, 1935 in Guttenberg to Albert and Lucille (Hefel) Jaeger. Rita graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Guttenberg.
Rita married Eldon Kregel June 29, 1954 in Elkader. Seven children were born to this union. Rita and Eldon farmed for 40 years. Rita was also an inspector at Northern Engraving in Waukon for 30 years. She was a past President of St. Patrick’s Rosary Society and former member of the Franklin Homemakers Society. Rita was also a member of American Legion Auxiliary and St. Patrick’s Service Society.
Rita enjoyed traveling, cooking and baking, working on family genealogy, and visiting with family, friends and neighbors. Her mind was sharp as a nail; she would remember everyone’s birth dates, anniversaries, and would even remember what food was served for a meal at someone’s wedding. She baked and decorated wedding cakes, birthday cakes, confirmation cakes and was known for her “pink elephant” cakes.
Survivors include her children: Sharon Kregel of Ladson, SC, Sandy Coleman of Monona, Julie Kregel of Decorah, Scott (Denise) Kregel of Monona, Neil (Kim) Kregel of Waterville, Rhonda (Loren) Ihde of Fayette and L’Dean (AnnMarie) Kregel of Champaign, IL; 20 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; one sister, Norma Engelken of Dyersville; two brothers, Robert (Betty) Jaeger of St. Catherine’s and Roland Jaeger of Ladson, SC; a sister-in-law, Eileen Jaeger of Guttenberg; a brother-in-law, Don (Jane) Kregel of Luana; many nieces and nephews; special friends Germaine Hoeger of Guttenberg, Bonnie Meek of Odon, IN and Ellen Jones of Monona; and her extended family and friends.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon; her sons-in-law, Carl “Bo” Pash and Alan Coleman; her parents, Albert and Lucille Jaeger; her siblings, Lorraine (Adolph) Wolter, Dorothy (Russell) Cole, George (Francis) Jaeger, Don (Wilma) Jaeger, Joseph Jaeger, Evelyn (Elmer) Scherbring, Raymond Jaeger, Walter Engelken, Susie Jaeger, Shirly Jaeger, Vicki Jaeger and Reva Mae Jaeger; her in-laws, Gustav and Martha Kregel, Gerald Kregel (in infancy) and Gordon and Lavon Kregel; and special friends LaVilla Onsager and Rose Vlazny.
Special thank you to Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Home Health and Hospice and the wonderful staff for your loving care and support.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona assisted the family with arrangements.
