Rita M. Osterberger, 79, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, at Stonehill Health Center with her family by her side after a battle with Alzheimer’s.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, at the Church of the Nativity with Fr. Dustin Vu officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a wake service at 3:45 p.m.

Rita was born on August 19, 1945, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Herbert and Marguerite (Wagener) Welter. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, graduated from Wahlert High School and attended Clarke College all in Dubuque.

She married Richard “Dick” Osterberger on December 30th, 1967, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on March 23, 2017. Rita was a lifelong member of Nativity Parish. She worked for John Deere in Dubuque for 30 years until her retirement, in 2001.

In retirement Rita volunteered at Mercy Gift Shop and subbed as a paraprofessional for the Dubuque Community Schools.

For those who knew Rita, you knew that she loved to be busy, she was a social butterfly. She enjoyed shopping, especially when she was finding a great deal. Throughout her life, she remained very active, enjoyed walking, biking, golfing, bowling and dancing. She was always ready for a game of cards and loved to bake for her family and friends. Traveling was another passion of hers, especially taking trips with her family. She found great joy in attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.

Rita’s wardrobe was a vibrant display of colors, especially hot pink, and of course everything matched, and we mean everything! When she called to let you know the pool was open, you knew it was the start of her favorite season, swimsuit season! She wore her swimsuit from sunrise to sunset, no cover-up needed. Her home was a home to many, all were welcome. She loved to entertain, from pool days to the holiday gatherings, especially Christmas which consisted of not only her immediate family but her extended family. To Rita all were her immediate family. Rita had a great love not only for her children and grandchildren, but also for her nieces and nephews.

She had a heart of gold, so many were blessed to have her in their life. Rita touched the lives of many and the memories she left behind will forever be cherished in our hearts.

Rita is survived by her three children: Steve (Lisa) Osterberger, Jeff (Amy) Osterberger, both of Dubuque, and Julie (Chris) Bracey, of Madison, WI. Seven grandchildren; Alli, Bryce, Kaylee and Ellie (fiancé Connor Fitzpatrick) Osterberger; Ava, Niyah, and Nathan Bracey. Her siblings: Jean Vance, Laura Miller, David (Dawn) Welter; sisters and brother-in-law Karen Osterberger, Jim Osterberger and Ann (Steve) Seamer, all of Dubuque; along with many nieces and nephews who she dearly loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dick, mother and father-in-law Gerald and Mildred Osterberger, brothers-in-law Jim Miller, Mike Vance, and Dave Osterberger.

In lieu of flowers a Rita Osterberger memorial fund will be established.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, Oak Park Place and Stonehill Health Center, especially the memory care units for their wonderful care they gave to Rita. A special thank you to all of Rita’s family and friends for their unwavering love and support.