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Rita Caroline Kessler

RANDOLPH — Rita Caroline Kessler, 96, Randolph, died March 28, 2019, at Colonial Manor, Randolph.

Visitation, with a Christian Mothers Rosary and Christian Wake, were all Monday at the church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home, Randolph.

Funeral services were April 2 at Saint Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church – Randolph, with Rev. Father Timothy Forget and Deacon Doug Tunink officiating.

Interment was in Saint Jane Frances Catholic Cemetery, Randolph.

Pallbearers were Rita’s grandchildren, Thomas Biernbaum, Austin Kateusz, Scott Biernbaum, Lindsey Peterson, Krista Biernbaum, Troy Leiting, Brian Wattier and Ryan Wrick.

Honorary pallbearers were Rita’s grandchildren, Robert Biernbaum, Brenda Dominisse, Sherri Eddie, Kimberly Andersen, Tina Nordhues, Travis Leiting, Kurt Peterson, Valerie McIntosch, Erin Davies, Laurie Neely, Melissa Kateusz, Kayla Biernbaum, Courtney Gugenhan and Stephanie Wrick-Stump.

She was born Aug. 19, 1922, at Fordyce, to Conrad and Marie (Jansen) Luft and baptized at Fordyce, and confirmed at Constance. Rita attended Knox County District # 26 near Crofton and graduated from Liberty High School, Hartington. Rita married Arthur J. Biernbaum April 25, 1944, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Constance. The couple farmed near Fordyce. Arthur died Feb. 3, 1965. Rita stayed on the farm until 1968, when she took the family and moved to Randolph. Rita was a longtime employee of Colonial Manor Nursing Home, Randolph, where she was employed as a certified nurse assistant and med aid. She married Leonard Gubbels Oct. 30, 1970. He died in April 1981. She married Edwin Kessler April 6, 1983. He died December 2013.

Rita’s memberships include Saint Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, Randolph, Christian Mothers and Rosary Club. Her hobbies include crafting, gardening and crocheting.

Survivors include her six children, Arlen and Kathy Biernbaum, Norfolk; LaDonna and Earl Leiting, Randolph; Sharon and Dave Peterson, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Arlis and Michael Wattier, Omaha; Mark Biernbaum and Rebecca Norman, Kansas City, Mo.; Jana and David Wrick, Lincoln; two daughters-in-law, Janelle Biernbaum, Randolph, and Jean Biernbaum, Sioux City, Iowa; 21 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; step children, Larry Gubbels, Lincoln; Gail and Neta Gubbels, Norfolk; Mike and Marie Abbato, Westminister, Colo.; Larry Kessler, Randolph; and Mick and Doris Samuelson, South Sioux City.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Conrad and Marie Luft; her three husbands, Arthur Biernbaum, Leonard Gubbels, Edwin Kessler; one daughter, Carla Jean Schmit; three sons, Francis, Galen and Keith Biernbaum; one grandson, Jeremy Wattier; two sisters, Madeline Guenther and Odelia Langferman; and one brother, Leon Luft.

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