Rita L. Svehaug, 89, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, with family by her side. She was born on November 6, 1935, in Caledonia, MN, to the late Gerhard and Helen (Reining) Bauer. Rita shared her life with two wonderful husbands, Jay Schense before he passed away in 1974 and Leland Svehaug who passed away in 2020.

Rita worked for many years as a home health aide and loved music and dancing. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, including playing cards and sharing stories. She enjoyed daily walks, watching the birds in her backyard, and cheering on her beloved Green Bay Packers—she was a proud season ticket holder for many years.

Rita cultivated strong, deep friendships with a wide range of people with whom she loved playing games, including card nights and bowling in her younger years (during which she acquired the nickname, "Reset Rita"). In her later years, she became a fixture at the bingo games in her senior living community.

Throughout her life, she also maintained a steadfast and abiding Catholic faith and immersed herself in her faith community, including singing in the church choir.

Rita is survived by her children, Scott (Donna) Schense, Steve (Therese Silvent) Schense, Pat (Mary Bregi-Schense) Schense, and Pam Schense; grandchildren, Adam (Trisha), Madeleine (John Peichel), Anna, Andre, Maria, Matt, Nicholas, and Elinor; great grandchildren, Gabby, Hazel, and Izzy; and sister, Mary Mullen.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Jay and second husband, Leland; her parents; brothers, Vince, Shorty, Gordy, and John; and sisters, Sr. Vinciana, Bernice, Vina, Teresa, Millie, and Helen.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 24 from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (2597 Glendale Ave, Green Bay, WI -- entrance directly across from the BP gas station) with a Mass of Christian Burial to immediately follow. She will be laid to rest at Fort Howard Memorial Park.