Rita McLain

Rita McLain, age 69, of Canby, Minn., passed away on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, surrounded by her family at the Hendricks Community Hospital in Hendricks, Minn. Mass of Christian Burial was on Monday, August 22, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby, Minn. Burial was at the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Canby. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

Rita Renee Franken was born to Matt and Elvera (Stoffel) Franken on July 1, 1953, at the Hendricks Hospital. She grew up on a farm by White, S.D.,; attended grade school and graduated from Deubrook High School. She received her LPN nursing degree at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, S.D., and practiced that license for 36 years.

Rita was united in marriage to Thomas McLain on April 25, 1981, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in White.

They made their home on a farm near Gary, S.D., where they raised their four children. Rita took a break from nursing to lovingly raise her family and farm alongside Tom. She was asked to come back to work in 1988 at the Hendricks Nursing Home. There she worked night shifts for the next 30 years. She was an active member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Canby, and she would work part time at St. Peter’s as a teacher’s aide while her children attended. She was a member of the CCW there. In her “spare time” she would often babysit nieces, nephews, friend’s and neighbor’s children. In 1999, she started working at Jim’s Market in Canby. She joked that she was Nurse by Night, Bag Lady by Day. Wherever Rita worked, she was known as a hard worker with a caring demeanor and quick wit.

Rita lived her life humbly and simply but full of force. She was known for her infectious laugh and smile, riding her motorcycle, playing cards/games, playing/watching softball where she got her nickname “Rodeo Rita”. After retiring from playing, she continued to be an active fan, rarely missing weekly games or the league tournament. Most important to Rita was spending time with her family. Her six grandkids were very special to her and as she was a kid at heart, they loved every minute of their time with her. She loved going to all of their activities and sporting events where she was their biggest cheerleader. Their favorite time was going trick and treating to her house to see what her yearly Halloween costume would be.

They gathered for Sunday Suppers, Time Change Turkey, pumpkin carving, egg coloring, cookie making and many other festive occasions.

Rita fought a strong and courageous battle against cancer for six years. She was supported by many, but also supported many. Participating in Relay for Life held a special place in her heart, and she was honored to be the speaker in 2022. In her words, Cancer Sucks-but “It is what it is.” Rita bravely entered into Hospice Care on August 1, 2022. Her family was honored to provide loving care for her at her home until they couldn’t any longer. She took one final drive to Hendricks to peacefully meet her Lord and Savior in a room right next to the Nursing Home she spent so many hours providing her loving care. Because of her strong faith, she was at peace and was ready to enter into her Eternal Home.

Grateful for having shared Rita’s life are her loving husband of 41 years, Tom; daughter, Maggie (Mike) Giese; sons, Luke (Anette) McLain, Lee (Haley) McLain, and Matthew McLain (partner William); grandchildren, Blake, Brennan, Kyra, and Ally Giese, Quintin and Chloe McLain; brother, Tom (Lesa) Franken; brothers-in-law, Bob (Linda) Reecy, Pat (Joanne) McLain, Jim (Barb) McLain, Mike (Brenda) McLain, Dick (Patty) McLain, and sister-in-law, Mary Jo (Ed) Phillips; one remaining living aunt, Joanne Schneider; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and co-workers. 

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, mother and father-in-law, sister, Mary Jo Reecy, infant brother, Teddy Franken, and many other special friends and family.

Blessed be her memory.

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