Rita Stocking, age 89, died January 12, 2019. She was born on April 10, 1929, in Britton, South Dakota, to Nick and Margaret Klinkhammer and raised in Cogswell, ND. After graduation from Cogswell High, where she studied and played basketball, she began work at the Britton hospital as an administrator. Rita met her husband Merlin after Sunday Mass at St. John’s, the local Catholic church. They were married in 1949 and began a family. As Merlin’s banking career progressed, they relocated from Britton to Hecla to Milbank and Aberdeen, SD. During this time, Rita and Merlin had 5 children. She was a loving and supportive wife, mother, homemaker and friend, whether at home or in church, schools or social circles. Rita especially enjoyed bowling, golf, bridge and attending her children’s sporting events. Upon Merlin’s retirement in 1988, they moved to Maple Grove, MN, to be closer to children and grandchildren. There, they enjoyed life with family and friends. After suffering a debilitating stroke in 1997, Rita still retained her spirit, humor and zest for life. She was a lover of reading and learning, and also spent hours watching baseball, football and basketball on television. Strong faith and love of family sustained her throughout her life, concluding with a 5 year tenure at St. Therese at Oxbow Lake in Brooklyn Park.
Rita was preceded in death by husband Merlin, daughter Kay McCarty, and brother Tom Klinkhammer. She is survived by brothers Richard, Robert and Michael; children Nick Stocking (Deb), Jean Clement (Jack), Julie Mueller (Bob), Joan Randall (John); son-in-law, Jim McCarty; 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild born January 9, 2019.
Thanks to the staff at St. Therese for her daily care and to the medical staff at North Memorial during her final days.
Memorials preferred to Catholic Charities of Minneapolis.
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