Rita M. Helmer, 99, of Dubuque, died Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the Sunset Park Place Senior Living in Dubuque.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:15 am on Friday, April 4, 2025 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Rita will be at 10:30 am on Friday, April 4, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Rita was born on December 28, 1925, in Dubuque, the daughter of John and Anna (Sullivan) Seymour. On April 17, 1948, she married Terrence Hitchcock. He preceded her in death on July 7, 1966. She married William “Bill” Helmer on February 4, 1967. He preceded her in death on February 28, 2020.

Rita worked as a secretary in the medical field for fifty years.

Rita loved to travel with her husband, Bill, and made friends everywhere she went. Those that knew Rita, knew how outgoing and witty she was. She enjoyed staying active, playing card games, and helping with the newsletter at Sunset Park Place.

Survivors include many nieces and nephews.

Besides both husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Gerald (Deane), Alan (Leora), and Cletus (Helen) Seymour, and one sister, Mary (John) McClellan.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Hospice of Dubuque.

Rita’s family would like to extend a special Thank You to Hospice of Dubuque, the staff at Sunset Park Place Senior Living, and Dr. Kumor for their care and support.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Rita’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.