Rita Conradine Kliethermes (Grefrath), 91, Forest Lake, Minnesota, passed away Dec.16, 2025, peacefully at her home.
She was born March 25, 1934, the youngest child to the late Joseph and Teresa (Cremer) Grefrath at home in Loose Creek.
She graduated from Fatima High School in Westphalia.
Rita was a devout Catholic and a proud servant to our Lord Jesus. She faithfully attended Eucharistic adoration weekly at St Peter’s chapel since its inception nearly 30 years ago. Rita was well-known and admired by her church peers and was consistently the familiar face in the pew.
Prior to marriage, she went to work for the Department of Social Services in Jefferson City.
She was a devoted, loving, caring wife and mother. After raising her five children, she returned to work at Roberts Floral in Bismark, N.D. where she excelled at floral arrangements and plant care.
Rita was preceded in death by husband, John Charles Kliethermes Sr.; parents, Joseph and Teresa Grefrath; siblings, Mary Haslag and husband Joe, Beatrice Nilges and husband August, Bernard Grefrath and wife Hermanda, Ray Grefrath and wife Peggy, Herbert Grefrath and wife Betty, Joseph Grefrath and wife Leona, Norbert Grefrath, Edmund Grefrath and wife Patricia.
She is survived by children, John Kliethermes Jr. and wife Jami, Mark Kliethermes and wife Mary Ann and Kevin, Dale and Lori Kliethermes; grandchildren, Rachel Will and husband Michael, Chris Kliethermes and wife Katy, John Kliethermes III and wife Mary, Ann Waletzko and husband Eric, Mark Kliethermes Jr. and wife Aline, Stephanie Kliethermes, David Kliethermes and wife Chelsea and Cody Kliethermes and wife Megan; great-grandchildren, David, Daniel, twins Mary and Jami Will, Makayla and Easton Kliethermes, Mariana Kliethermes, Jack, Phillip, Eric Jr. and Kendall Waletzko, Lily and Teo Kliethermes, Luke, Charlie and Bette Lou Kliethermes, Kennedi and Maddyn Kliethermes, and Cooper Kliethermes; sister-in-law, Geneva Grefrath; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held from 10 until 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 29, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at Church of St. Peter, 1250 S. Shore Dr., Forest Lake., MN. A Memorial Celebration of Life will also take place in Loose Creek at a later date to be determined.
Memorial contributions suggested to any eye health organization such as The American Macular Degeneration Foundation or any Christian charity organization of choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Roberts Family Funerals in Forest Lake, MN.
