Rita Zimprich

Rita Claire Arlien was born on April 15, 1937, at the McVille Community Hospital to Alf Arlien and Edith Carlson Arlien. She received her first communion on June 18, 1944, at St. Mary's Church at Lakota, ND. She graduated from Pekin High School in 1954 as valedictorian of her class. Rita married Edward Vincent Zimprich on June 16, 1955, in Tolna, ND. They farmed by Aneta, ND, and had eight children. After Edward's death in 1982 Rita moved into Aneta. She worked as a cook for the Aneta Parkview Health Center for many years before retiring. Rita passed away on the morning of February 23, 2012, in her home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, her parents, and her sister, Mary Lou.

Survivors of Rita include: Daughters - Constance Paintner, Fargo, ND; Colleen (Wally) Dalman, Portland, ND; Patricia (Jerry) Kleven, Grand Forks, ND; Cynthia (Jerry) Hunsicker, West Fargo, ND; Sons - Randall (Lori) Zimprich, Gardner, ND; Timothy (Ellen) Zimprich, Aneta, ND; Charles Zimprich, Aneta, ND; and Todd (Jeanette) Zimprich, Mayville, ND. Brother - Steve (Glenna) Arlien, Aneta, ND. Rita had 41 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren, and many other family members.

Rita was a long-standing member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Aneta, ND, and was very active with the Sacred Heart Ladies Guild. Rita was a faithful weekly participant in Adoration at the church in Cooperstown. She was a TOPS member in Aneta and Finley. Rita enjoyed playing whist every week at the Community Center in Aneta. Rita loved spending time with family, always looking forward to our family Christmas gathering. She adored visitors, especially grandchildren, stopping in to play a game of Mexican Train or Rummikub, with a hot pot of coffee always on. Rita was a wonderful baker, and was the family supplier of buns and bread for family gatherings, with special treats of cinnamon bread to any grandchild who asked. She also was an avid reader, and a faithful prayer warrior, ready and willing to aid in prayer for anyone in need. Rita influenced many in her life and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services for Rita will be Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Aneta, ND. Visitation will be Friday, March 2, 2012 from 5 PM to 7 PM with a 7 PM vigil service in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Aneta, ND. Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Aneta, ND. Officiating will be Father Richard M. Fineo. Organist will be Sharon Heinz and special music by Craig Silvernagel. Casketbearers will be Rita's grandchildren. Arrangements with the Stanley-Iverson Funeral Home, McVille, ND.