RITA JOSEPHINE LENZ, age 83, of Lismore, died Friday, December 27, 2019, at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage. She was born April 2, 1936, in rural Adrian, to Frank and Theresa (Deutsch) Metz. She grew up on the family farm near Adrian and graduated from St. Adrian Catholic High School in 1954.

Rita married Earl Lenz on November 9, 1954, at St. Adrian Catholic Church. The couple had just celebrated their sixty fifth wedding anniversary. Together, they raised their four children, Deb (Dave) Konradi, Randy (fiancée, Jolene Klooster), Tim (Monica) Lenz and Lisa (Jim) Smith. Rita worked side by side with her husband milking cows, raising calves, farrowing hogs and farming.

She was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Lismore. Rita enjoyed the Ladies Aid and project clubs as well as gardening and reading. She treasured time with her family and her partnership with her husband, Earl. She was known for her kind compassionate spirit.

Rita is survived by her husband, Earl Lenz, Lismore; four children, Deb (Dave) Konradi, Round Lake; Randy (Fiancée, Jolene Klooster, Adrian; Tim (Monica) Lenz, Lismore; and Lisa (Jim) Smith, Sanborn, IA; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Norbert Metz, Omaha, NE; two sisters, Mildred (Frank) VanHorsen, Adrian; and Marie Kruger, Worthington; and a sister-in-law, Barbara Metz, Papplion, NE.

She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Theresa Lenz; sister, Helen (Bill) Broesder; two brothers, Raymond (Cathy) Metz; and Leonard Metz; a sister-in-law, Rosie Metz; and a brother-in-law, Martin Kruger.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-7 pm, with a Rosary service at 4 pm and Parish Prayers at 7 pm, at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Adrian. Visitation also from 9:30 to 10:15 am Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Thursday at St. Adrian Catholic Church, in Adrian, officiated by Monsignor Richard Colletti. Burial will be at St. Anthony West Cemetery near Lismore.