Click HERE to view Rita's Life Tribute Video.

Rita Fay Zander, age 75 of Beaver Dam, died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 1, 2007 at home.

Rita was born on December 15, 1931 to Alvin and Myrla (Hutchinson) Genske in Lebanon, Waupaca County. She graduated from Little Wolf High School in Manawa, Wisconsin and worked as a nurses' aid and respiratory therapist at the Columbus Hospital for many years. On July 1, 1950 she married Gordon Zander at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Rita and Gordon were blessed with seven children. She was formally a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Columbus and enjoyed being a Pioneer Leader. Rita was a member of St. Stephen's Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam, where she participated with many volunteer activities. Rita also liked reading, spending time with her family, and playing in several bridge groups.

Rita is survived by her husband, Gordon of Beaver Dam; her sons, Col. Steven (Michele) of Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Bruce (Pam) of Columbus, Randy (Cozette) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Jeffrey (fiancé Pam Crawford) of Columbus, and Kurtiss (Lucy) of Fall River; a daughter, Marcia Johnston of Waupun; a daughter-in-law, Mary Jo Zander of Oregon, WI; 21 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; her brothers, Ronald Genske of Appleton, and Marlin (Donna) Genske of Fremont. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Larry, her grandson Joshua, her brothers Richard & Robert Genske, and her sisters Carole Mazemke and Sharon Genske.

Visitation for Rita will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2007 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd, Beaver Dam. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday from 12 p.m. (noon) until the time of service at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. A Memorial Service for Rita will take place on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 1 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, with Rev. Mark Wendland officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to Lakeside Lutheran High School.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to be serving the family.

Click HERE to view Rita's Life Tribute Video.