Rita M. Lodzinski

Rita M. Lodzinski of Green Bay passed away Tuesday, March 2, 2021 in her home surrounded by her loving son and daughters. She was born on August 1, 1933 in Wisconsin Rapids to the late Frank and Cecelia (Meulemans) Bushmaker. She married Fred Lodzinski (deceased) on July 29, 1953.

She graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids and was employed at Consolidated Papers as a bookkeeper and later at Ocean Spray Cranberry Company. By faith in 1998 Rita moved from her longtime home in Port Edwards to Green Bay in order to be closer to her son, Don, and daughter, Ann, and to be a founding member of Heartland Church. Heartland was a new church plant started by her son-in-law, Scott. Rita was an active, vital member of the church, serving in many areas including hospitality, women's Bible study, and teaching kids in Sunday School. Everyone there knew Rita as a mighty "prayer warrior".

Rita loved her new friends she made in Green Bay while always keeping up with her old friendships in the Wisconsin Rapids area. She enjoyed being a homemaker and was a fantastic cook. Her apple pies and cheesecake were simply awesome. She hosted many Bible studies in her home and was always serving others by making meals and having many people over. If someone was alone on a holiday, Rita reached out to invite that person to be with her family. Rita enjoyed traveling and took trips to Rome, Egypt, Greece, and her favorite place, Israel. Rita had a love for reading, studying, and teaching the Bible. As she aged and her vision dimmed, she gained enthusiasm for listening to "talking books" including, of course, the Bible.

Rita is survived by her children, Donald Lodzinski, Joan (John) Piotrowski, and Ann (D. Scott) Werlein; four grandchildren, Joshua (Beth) Piotrowski, Jesse (Leah) Piotrowski; Katrina (Andrew) Kastanotis, and Sondra (Andrew) Sotomayor; seven great-grandchildren, Ben, Owen, Clara, Lincoln, Hannah, Connor, and Calvin.

She was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Lodzinski; her husband, Fred Lodzinski; and her two brothers, Marvin Bushmaker and Gerald Bushmaker.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the charity of your choice in Rita's name. Also in lieu of a funeral service, a celebration of Rita's life may be held at a later date. Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.newcomergreenbay.com or cards may be sent to Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions at 340 S. Monroe Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54301 to the attention of Rita Lodzinski's family and they will be forwarded on.