Rita Nelessen, 95, went into the arms of Jesus, her Savior on June 16, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family.

Rita as born on October 28, 1930, in Hollandtown, to the late John and Hattie Schmidt. She married Jim Nelessen on May 21, 1953. They celebrated 53 years together. 

Rita’s life was centered on relationships — first and foremost her relationship with Jesus, and then the many family members and friends she loved so deeply. She had a kind and generous heart, always taking the time to know people, encourage them, help them, and walk alongside them. She showed her love through her prayers, words of encouragement, helping hands, home-cooked meals, and sweet treats (she certainly loved her sweets!). Rita loved celebrating life with family and friends through music and especially enjoyed opening her home and hosting gatherings.

Her deep faith was evident through the many ministries she served in. She sang at nursing homes, sharing the gospel and bringing joy to others, volunteered with Life Promotions, and participated in Cursillo and TEC weekends. At Christ the Rock, she served in the kitchen ministry and founded a Titus 2 women’s ministry, where she mentored and encouraged younger women in their faith.

Rita found joy in the simple things — playing games, crafting, and traveling. She was always ready for a good challenge and, of course, was never one to turn down an opportunity to take your money in a game of sheepshead. Above all, her greatest joys were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her unwavering love, faith, and support touched so many lives and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her four children, Lou (Scott) Andersen, Waupaca; Jeff (Jean Ann), Nelessen, Merrill; Dan (Joan) Nelessen, Appleton; and Mark (Carla) Nelessen, Appleton; her 12 grandchildren, Erin (Corey) Colburn, Ben (Kari) Nelessen, Josh (Nicole) Nelessen, Katie (Scott) Stensrud, Rose (Jayson) Gallatin, Heather (Tomas) Quaegber, Tanner (Janet White) Nelessen, Amber Nelessen, Eric (Audra) Nelessen, Kristin (Neal) Johanson, Spencer (Libby Youngerman) Nelessen, and Luke (Christian Eggers) Nelessen. In addition, she is survived by her 16 great grandchildren, Sophia, PJ, Camden, Adilee, Elliot, Payten, Margo, Edwin, Gwen, Morris, Olafur, Alyosha, Sage, Maisy, Acacia, and Arlo. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she is preceded in death by infant twin daughters, Katherine and Karen; all her siblings and their spouses, Anaceil (Pat) Randerson, Joseph (Theresa) Schmidt, Alois (Buddy), Clifford (Rita), Vincent (Rose), Richard, Dolores, Mary LePak (David Head); all Jim’s siblings and their spouses, Norbert (Mary), Ruth (Leonard) VandeHey, Urban (Betty), Clarence (Ceil), Marie (Ed) Vosters, Eunice (Bill) Vosters, Eugene (Arlene), Robert (Marian), Delores (Eugene) Van Camp, Mildred (Gordon) Newhouse, Helen (Richard) Diedrich, and Sophia (Dolly) (Dale) Meulemans.

Visitation will be held at CHRIST THE ROCK COMMUNITY CHURCH (W6254 US Hwy. 10 114, Menasha) on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Her Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Bob Lenz officiating. Committal Highland Memorial Park.

***PLEASE NOTE THAT US HWY 10 114 IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION.  THERE IS NO IMPACT TO THOSE ARRIVING FROM THE EAST.  IF YOU ARE TRAVELING FROM THE WEST, PLEASE DRIVE PAST CHRIST THE ROCK COMMUNITY CHURCH AND UTILIZE THE NEXT MEDIAN U TURN IN ORDER TO APPROACH FROM THE EAST.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.

The family wishes to thank the care team at Aspire Senior Living for the loving care they gave our mom.