Rita M. Punches' Obituary
Rita M. Punches, age 98, passed away early on December 28, 2023, at home. She was born on November 16, 1925, to Anton and Josephine (Samson) Gerstner in Bushnell, Nebraska. Rita was an awesome stay at home wife and mother and later held various jobs at their family business, Punches Market. Rita was blessed to have many wonderful adventures together with her husband, Neil. They enjoyed hunting, camping, boating, snowmobiling, and visited over 25 different countries. On July 30, 1947, Rita married Neil in Berlin, Germany and he preceded her in death on May 17, 2023. Survivors include her children, Linda (Bob) Mills, Brian (Marla) Punches and Greg (Lynn Brown) Punches; grandchildren: Tim (Lauren) Mills, Maren (Mike) Pearson, Heidi (Travis) Bolles, Heather (Craig) Claussen, Holly (Dan) Hazekamp, Rachel Punches and Josh Punches; and 14 great-grandchildren. Rita was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Taya Marie Mills, in 1977. The family would like to extend a special thanks to her caregivers, Julia Veach, Pam Holmes, Pam Carlson, and Denise Rebedew. Rita’s family is planning a private family memorial service. Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave., 231-726-5210. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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