Rita Osness Penkwitz of Port Washington WI passed on 04/15/2025.
Rita was born in Avon IL in 1939to William Schisler and Klaryne Anderson. Rita is survived by three siblings, Daughters Lucinda Osness, Karyn Osness Schwenner (Jim Erlicher), and Shirley Osness Hatfield Dormanen (Johnny). Rita is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 12 and 2 great great-great grandchildren. She was proceed in death by 3 siblings and her parents.
Rita married Ray Osness in 1959 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and moved to Merrill WI. She enjoyed activities that was anything Osness. She babysat multiple nieces, nephews and others. The Osness family brought her in with love and understanding as she had no family of her own in the area. She enjoyed babies, dogs and cats and bowling in Merrill, traveling, Canasta and later UNO with family and friends. Rita loved her independence and was so proud to get her drivers license after the age of 40.
After relocating to Port Washington with her family, she worked in the community, as a cook, server and at a local pharmacy.
There will be a private immediate family service at Memorial Park in Merrill on Saturday 06/21/2025 followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon at the Eagles Club from 11-2 where family and friends can come and share their memories and laughter that they came to know Rita for.
