Rita Rose (Hassing) Petersen, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, age 83, of Big Lake, Minnesota, passed away on December 8, 2024. 

Rita was born on July 2, 1941 in Little Falls, MN to Clement and Catherine Hassing. Rita was raised and grew up in Randall, MN and she graduated from Little Falls High School in 1959. Rita attended and graduated from St. Cloud State University with an elementary education teaching degree. Rita taught elementary classes for several years in Mound and Anoka. 

Rita was joined in marriage to Ewald Petersen in 1964 at the Church of St. Stephen in Anoka, MN. Rita worked beside her husband on their gladiolus (cut flowers) and specialty crops farm in Champlin. In 1978, the family and farming operations moved to Big Lake, MN. Soon after, Rita embarked on the role of Faith Formation Director at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Big Lake, and she worked in this role for many years. Beyond her professional and spiritual pursuits, Rita was a vibrant and energetic women and she enjoyed shopping, cooking & baking, her bowling league, and card club. 

In her 83 years, Rita was most thankful and proud of her family. Her husband and children were her joy, and when her grandchildren and great grandchildren arrived, her heart was full. Rita was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She (and her wonderful cooking) will be missed by many. 

Rita is survived by her children, Ewald Joe (Shari) Petersen, Corrine (Scott) Ralph, Eric (Stephanie) Petersen, Paul Petersen, Amy (Kurt) Brambrink, Rebecca (Chad) Blahosky, seven grandchildren, Emily (Jake) Lindenfelser, Erin (Blake) Hall, Charlie (Nicole) Brambrink, Michael Brambrink, Ewald Petersen, Claire Petersen, Cecelia Blahosky, and two great grandsons, Max and Rhett Lindenfelser; sisters Agnes Lieser, Jane (Ken) Hemmesch, brother, Edward (Jo) Hassing. 

She is preceded in death by her husband of nearly 57 years, Ewald; her parents, Clement and Catherine Hassing, her sisters Marie Hanley, Margaret Determan, and Carol Kersting. Mass of Christian burial at 12:30PM on Fri, Dec 13, 2024 at the Church of St. Andrew, 566-4th St NW, Elk River, with visitation one hour prior.  Interment to follow at Bailey Station Cemetery in Big Lake, MN, followed by a lunch at the church.