Rita was born March 27, 1934 in Hartford, South Dakota to Arnold and Thelma (Falnes) Kolaas. She graduated from the Calmar High School in 1952. On October 19, 1952 she married Keith R. Groth in Calmar. They lived and farmed in Highland Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa. She was a member of the Highland Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid, and enjoyed Rosemaling, stampcollecting, bird watching, gardening, sewing, quilting, and was an awesome cook.
Rita passed away Monday, November 28, 2011 at the Aase Haugen Home in Decorah at the age of 77.
Rita is survived by her husband Keith of Decorah; four sons Jeff (Judy) of Red Oak, Texas, Dan (Cindy) of Winona, Minnesota, David of Madison, Wisconsin, and Richard of Plymouth, Minnesota; seven grandchildren Jamie (Elizabeth Haywood), Nicholas (Delia), Josiah (Monica), Elias, Ayla, Brandon, and Kyle; two great grandchildren Maya and Lindsey; two sisters Shirley Hanson and Elaine Halse both of Decorah; and two sisters-in-law Christine Kolaas of Decorah and Nancy Kolaas of Rochester. She was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers Kenneth and John.
Funeral services will be 11 AM Saturday, December 3, 2011 at the Highland Lutheran Church in rural Decorah with the Reverend David Andreae officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 4 – 8 PM Friday, December 2 at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to services at the church. |
