Rita S Andresen

Rita Susan Andresen, age 57, of Mankato died peacefully surrounded by family and friends, after a courageous four year battle with lung cancer, on Sunday, June 15, 2008 at her home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 19, 2008 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato, with Rev. Karl Voelker S.J. officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday at Mankato Mortuary, and will continue one hour before service at church on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society or American Lung Association.

Rita was born March 2, 1951 to Don F. and Dorothy A. (Perkins) Redden in Forest City, Iowa. She moved with her family at age two to Minnesota and graduated from Robbinsdale Senior High School in 1969. She was employed by the Mankato Clinic for the past 17 years. Rita was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church for 37 years where she taught religion classes. She was also a member of the Ladies Extension Club, was very active in District 77 school activities, and volunteered for various cancer organizations. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, gardening, baking, cooking, bird watching, children, and was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins.

Rita is survived by her children, Christopher Andresen of Mankato, Carrie (Troy) Andresen-Strawn of Independence, CA, and Matthew (Diane) Andresen of Woodbury; grandson, Nolan Andresen; father, Don (Audrey) Redden of Medina; nine siblings, Linda Eakman, Paul (Georgia) Redden all of Two Harbors; Dwight (Arlys) Redden of Cokato, Cathy (Brian) Malone of Crystal, Mark (Dyann) Redden of Florida, Jane (Jeff) Sundin of Deer River, John (Bonnie) Redden of Norwood-Young America, Mona (Bob) Williams of Maple Grove; Kevin Redden of Apple Valley; also many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Rita was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy.