Rita Ann Schwan was born March 27, 1944, in Rugby, ND, to Frederick and Anne (Gerger) Geisinger. Rita spent her childhood years on the family farm with her parents and three siblings: Patricia, Paulette, and Stephen. In 1959 the family moved to Minot, ND. Rita attended Bishop Ryan High School and graduated in 1962.

In November 1962, Rita met Gerald Schwan of Minot. On September 14, 1963, they were united in marriage at Our Lady of Grace Church in Minot. To that union four children were born - Brent, Susan (Lynch), Gary, and Brian. Rita worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital until the family moved to Williston.

In April of 1970, the family made the move to Williston where she would spend the rest of her life. Rita was a stay-at-home mom until going to work for Manger Insurance in 1973. She worked for Manger’s for 40 years before semi-retiring in 2014. For many years in that timeframe Rita also managed the Bingo Barn in Williston. She made many great friends at the Bingo Barn.

Retirement didn’t mean relaxation for Rita. She continued many hours volunteering for various organizations. In the mid-80’s, Rita and Jerry Wells founded the Williston Wrestling Club. She, along with many, many volunteers spent countless hours through the years developing and growing the club. Rita was also a prominent volunteer at Mercy Hospital, was a Past Regent of the Women of the Moose, and just in November of this year she was named Volunteer of the Month at the Williston Senior Center. She spent many more hours assisting other organizations and individuals. One thing Rita could never say to people in need of assistance was “No”.

Rita’s greatest passion in life was her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nothing brought her greater joy than that precious time with them.
On December 9, 2023, The Lord called Rita to be with him. She passed away peacefully at home.

She was preceded in death by her father, Frederick; her mother, Anne; grandson, Michael and grandson, Jared.

She is survived by sister, Patricia Nygaard (Dennis); sister, Paulette Gonzalez (Tony); brother, Stephen; her significant other, Gerald; son, Brent (Marella); daughter, Susan Lynch (Derek); son, Gary (Sara Solberg); son, Brian (April). She has seven surviving grandchildren, Shelly Norbeck (Keith), Samantha Kienholz (Kyle), Riley Lynch, Nicholas Ladwig (Melinda), Shane Miller (Meridith), Sherri Hamers, and Brianna Schwan. She also had eight great-grandchildren, Natalie Norbeck, Jacob Norbeck soon – baby Norbeck, Kooper Kienholz, Kendall Kienholz, Maci Jo Ladwig, Hollis Hamers, Scarlett Hamers.

Memorial Contribution