Rita M. Custer, 97, of Beaver Dam and formerly of Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Rita was born on June 6, 1928 the daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Quinlan) Menadue in Dubuque, Iowa.  She was united in marriage to Harold W. Custer on April 12, 1947 at Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ.

Rita attended Hope Free Ev. Church while residing in Dubuque.  She enjoyed being a wife and mother.  Rita loved planning weekly family dinners and spending time with her grandchildren.  The grandchildren fondly remember Rita and Harold’s home as a favorite place to hang out and hold sleepovers. Rita was a talented seamstress.  She made clothes for her children and also Halloween costumes for the grandchildren.  Rita loved music and especially enjoyed going out to listen to local bands.

Rita will be deeply missed by her children: Gary (Lynn) Custer of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Kathy (Mike) Pusateri of Dubuque, IA and Sandy (Tom) Heiar of Beaver Dam, WI; nine grandchildren: Caleb (Diana) Custer, Luke Custer, Kristen (Ryan Fralish) Pusateri, Jarrod (Allison) Pusateri, Andrew (Kara) Pusateri, Emily Worth, Matthew (LaTara) Heiar, Blake (Brittney) Heiar and Cody (Molli Mack) Heiar; ten great grandchildren: Brynlee, Stella, Maddox, Kash, Korah, Banks, Aria, Kade, Cora and Theo.  She is further survived by other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Harold in 2017, grandson Jordan Heiar, brothers: Sam, LeRoy, Charles and Joseph, sisters: Margaret, Adele, Elsie and Gerry.

Rita will be laid to rest next to her husband Harold at Dubuque Memorial Garden Cemetery in Dubuque, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life for Rita will be held from Noon until 3:00 p.m. on August 15, 2026 at Steeple Square, 101 E. 15th St., in Dubuque, IA 52001.

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.koepselllfh.com.