Rita Willette

Rita Ann Willette (Savig) of Detroit Lakes, MN and Bullhead City, AZ passed away in her home on September 16, 2024, five days from her 83rd birthday. Rita was born in Detroit Lakes, MN on September 21, 1941 to Walter and Marie (Reynolds) Savig. Rita was the 4th of 5 children (Rosemary (Marcell Zurn), Roger (Peggy Molacek), Robert Savig and Ruby Jean (Terry Jenstead)). 

She was raised in Callaway and Lake Park, MN and graduated from Lake Park High School in 1959. Rita had many happy memories of her years in Lake Park and spoke fondly of her friends and classmates throughout her life. She attended every reunion she could. After High School she moved to Moorhead, MN where she began working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as an overnight telephone operator. She worked for the telephone company her entire career in different capacities in St. Paul and Detroit Lakes, MN.

Rita married John (Jack) Willette in April 1962 in Lake Park, MN. The newlyweds moved to St. Paul, MN where their son Wayne was born. In 1965 they moved back to Detroit Lakes where their children Julie and David were born. The family soon settled on Jack's family farm on Pearl Lake, where she lived the rest of her life. 

Supporting others was a trademark of Rita's. She didn't miss a single school, church, or 4-H event in which her children participated and attended as many of her grandchildren's events as possible. It was important to her to attend weddings, graduations, and other special events.

Rita was a member of St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes for over 50 years. Rita served on the Belle's of St Mary's council, participated in Catholic Daughters, and taught the parish youth religious education during the years her children were growing up. She enjoyed the social aspect of being a part of the St Mary's community nearly as much as she took solace in the spiritual. She had many lifelong friends in this community.

Rita found joy in listening to people's stories and sharing in their happiness. She would listen more than she spoke and had a talent for remembering things that were important to those around her. She was not shy about sharing the true joy she found in seeing her grandchildren grow and find happiness in in their lives. She was proud they were "good kids". 

Her friends from church, work, and neighbors around the lake (including the Pearls) and neighbors and friends from Bullhead City, AZ were especially important to her. Her family and friends will miss her warmth and sense of humor.

She is survived by Jack, her husband of 61 years; Her children Wayne (Cheri Miller) of Detroit Lakes, MN Julie (Curt Halgrimson) of Valley City, ND and David of Chicago, IL; Her grandchildren Joe Halgrimson (Lauren Groth) of West Fargo, ND, John Halgrimson (Crysta Krantz) of Barnesville, MN, Alex Willette (partner Betty Schouviller) of Detroit Lakes, MN and Cali Halgrimson of Fargo, ND; Her great-grandchildren, Hayes and Aven Halgrimson of West Fargo, ND; Her sister Ruby Jean Jenstead of Moorhead, MN; her brother in-law, six sister's in-law, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Walter and Marie, her sister Rosemary, her brothers Roger and Robert.

Funeral Service will be held at 4:00PM, Thursday, September 19, 2024, at St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church (20996 Co Rd 20, Detroit Lakes) with a time of visitation one-hour prior to the service.