Rita Mae Knotek

Surrounded by her daughters, Rita Mae Knotek, age 86, passed away peacefully at home, Thursday, June 30, 2022. She was born in Racine, November 1, 1935, daughter of the late Percy and Exzilda (Nee:Fleurant) Roth.

Growing up she enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and an occasional train ride downtown with her mother. Graduating from St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1953” went on to St. Luke’s School of Nursing becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. In between caring for her aging parents and working full time she enjoyed a girl’s night out at the Dom Bosco Dance Club where she met a young man, Valerian “Jerry” Knotek. They would later marry on August 1, 1959, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church. They shared 62 years of marriage when Jerry passed January 24, 2022. Her dedication and care to Jerry enabled him to be the King of his Castle till the end.

Rita was a member of St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church and enjoyed singing in the choir. She had a solid work ethic and cared for people her whole life. She was employed at St. Mary’s Hospital for 30 years as a LPN retiring in 1999. Rita was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Surviving are her children, Gregory, Margaret, and Catherine of Racine, Kenneth (Lisa) of Milwaukee; grandchildren; great grandchildren; in-laws; nieces, nephews, and friends.

Committal services will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Thursday, August 18, 2022, 2 pm.