Rita Henriette Plante (Desrosier) died on Nov. 7th, 2022 in Fort Myers, FL at the age of 85.
Rita was born in Kertsonville Township, near Crookston, MN, on May 29, 1937, one of 8 children of the union of Albert and Stella (Perreault) Desrosier. The family farmed in the Kertsonville area until the death of Stella in 1955. Albert then moved the younger children, including Rita, to South St. Paul. After graduating from high school there she returned to Crookston to attend the St. Francis School of Nursing. Rita later met Vernon and the two were united in marriage on January 30, 1960. Together, they raised their 5 children on the Plante farm near Gentilly, MN until they retired in 1997. She also worked with Polk County Public Health for many years. Vern and Rita eventually sold the farm and enjoyed spending their summers on Lake of the Woods and their winters in Ft. Myers, FL.
Rita is survived by Vernon, her beloved husband of 62 years; their 5 children: Neal (Lori Hagl) of Gentilly, MN, Bradley (Birte Ibs) of Maple Grove, MN, Kevin of Madison, WI, Shelley Slator (Pat) of Eden Prairie, MN, and Shawn (Julie Schmitz) of Eden Prairie, MN. She also leaves 10 grandchildren: Christopher, Josephine, Nicole, Tristan, Haley, Kyla, Beth, Alec, Bjorn, and Jack; 2 great-grandchildren, Roman and Charlie; a sister, Eloise Ganser of Stillwater, MN; 2 brothers, Edward (Delores Brule) of Roseau, MN, and Robert of Richfield, MN; together with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Rita was a devoted member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gentilly, MN. She served on the Church’s board, headed the funeral Committee, and participated with many other church-related groups. Rita was also a charter member of the local chapter of the Catholic Daughters of America. Until her passing, she was active in her Homemakers Club, where she enjoyed many long-lasting and supportive friendships. Rita and Vernon were members of St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Ft. Myers.
Rita enjoyed cooking, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and fishing on Lake of the Woods where always seemed to catch the biggest fish!
Rita was unendingly resilient in the face of loss, selfless in love and service to others, and Faithful to God.
Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Rita Plante will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 27, 2023, in St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Gentilly, MN, with Msgr. David Baumgartner, presiding. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery.
