Rita Klang

Rita Marie Klang passed from this life on November 18th, 2016. Rita was born August 3rd, 1941. She was the first born of Kurt and Eleanor Klang’s seven children.

Rita grew up in Duluth, Minnesota and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1958. She went on to study at St. Scholastica where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. Later in life, Rita went on to earn a Master of Arts equivalency degree, also in education.  Rita worked as a teacher in a variety of settings including Bethany Crisis Shelter and Woodland Hills. Rita cared deeply for her students and thought of them often even after they had moved on.

In 1981, Rita welcomed her daughter, Abbey Elizabeth. Rita had no greater joy in life than her close relationship with Abbey. Abbey added to Rita’s joy when she married Tim Nelson and went on to give Rita five grandchildren, Evan, Ayden, Nolan, Sophia, and Greyson. Rita’s grandchildren were a complete delight to her.

Rita enjoyed many things in life. She loved regular card games with her parents and siblings. She loved Sunday dinners in the family home. Rita loved all of nature from sunrises to starry skies. She had great affection for dogs and had many who were great companions. Rita loved creating beauty for others to enjoy whether through her gardens, her cooking, or her love of music. And, especially later in her life, Rita loved to dance.

Rita was a passionate, caring, and giving woman. She had a mischievous twinkle in her eye and an engaging smile. Rita brought love, life, and laughter with her wherever she went. Rita’s absence is strongly felt.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Kurt and Eleanor, and her beloved sister Kate Klang Comnick. Rita is lovingly remembered by her daughter Abbey and son-in-law Tim and their children. Rita is also missed by her sisters Geraldine Olesiak, Donna (Sherwood) Elliott, and Patricia (Bill) K’Burg, her brothers Phillip (Libby) Klang and Richard (Joanne) Klang, her brother-in-law Kent Comnick, and many nieces and nephews.

Rita’s family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Diamond Willow in Cloquet.  Thank you for the great kindness you showed to Rita during her four years with you and the care you extended to us in her final days. We are incredibly grateful!

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, November 22nd at Sommer’s Hall at St. Scholastica in Duluth. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00.   Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.  600 E. 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55805.  218-727-3555.