Funeral Service for Rita Kathleen Peterson, 28, of Sisseton, SD will be held on Monday, January 18, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at Grace Lutheran Church in Sisseton, SD with Rev. Suzanne Benidt, Rev. Sheila Pohl and Rev. Glenn Peterson officiating. The Pianist will be Michelle Greseth and special music by Pat Schubert, Michelle Greseth and Nathan Benidt. Pallbearers will be Nathan Benidt, Luke Benidt, Joseph Benidt, Greg Benidt, Anthony Huntington, Larenzo Beckett, Dr. Stan Gallagher and Mark Reischus. Honorary Pallbearers are all of Rita's caregivers, friends and family. Interment will be in the Hills of Rest Memorial Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There will be visitation Sunday, January 17, 2016 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Cahill Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to services at the Church. The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of arrangements.
Rita Kathleen Peterson was born August 30, 1987, in Watertown, SD, to Carroll and Linda (Halverson) Peterson. She attended grade school and Jr. High School in Watertown before moving to Sisseton in 2003. She attended Sisseton High School. At the age of 18, Rita suffered a debilitating stroke. She spent extensive time in rehabilitation in Fargo, Sioux Falls, and Sioux City before finally moving to Yankton, SD. She lived in her own apartment at Ability Building Services. She survived a serious car accident in 2012, that left her with a broken pelvis, ribs and greater mobility problems. However, she was able to fulfill her dream of living in her own home when she moved to Sisseton in January of 2015. With the help of a team of wonderful caregivers, she experienced the "happiest time of her life" since her stroke.
Rita lived life with intensity, honoring individuality, making her fiercely unique. Her love for her friends, family, animals and art was the energy that fueled her life.
Rita was a talented artist that worked in many mediums including oils, water colors, pen and ink, charcoal, pencils, clay and even potatoes! Her mashed potatoes were the best in the world.
Rita was a natural chef. This demanded two things- a perfectly crafted product and attractive presentation. She created so many recipes that a personal favorite is impossible to name, but needs to be memorialized in a cookbook.
Rita used her quirky sense of humor (spot-on sarcastic but hilarious wit) as a medium of connection with everyone who knew her. She loved literature, languages, writing (especially poetry) and movies (the scarier the better). Her space was filled with "Phantom of the Opera" memorabilia, as well as angels and symbols of faith. She loved all things spiritual, even to having one room designated as her "sacred space". This room held church incense, a Buddha, an Ankh, books on the Wiccan view of the world, Tarot cards and a statue of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Even as a child, she was a prayer warrior extraordinaire. Part of her cyber friend group was a prayer group for each other and anyone needing prayer.
Rita is survived by her mother Dr. Linda Peterson of Sisseton, SD and her father, Carroll Peterson of Sioux Falls, SD, her brother Corey Peterson of Sioux Falls, SD; her aunts Kathy Collier of Loma, CO. and Julie (Dennis) Rehorst of St. Onge, SD, Uncles Lee Halverson and Suzanne Koons of Des Moines, IA, Barry Peterson of Sioux Falls, SD, Phil and Linda Peterson of Beresford, SD and Rev. Glenn (Cindy) Peterson of Sioux Falls, SD; cousin Gabe Halverson of Des Moines, IA; Special friends Jennifer Bellew, Kelly Wanna, Dana Wilson, Amy Wilson and Andrea Richter.
Rita was preceded in death by Maternal Grandparents Norman and Irma (Kosters) Halverson; Paternal Grandparents Rev. Arve and Joyce (Charter) Peterson; Aunt Rita Kaye Halverson; uncle Don Collier.
For Rita's obituary and on-line registry please visit www.cahillfuneralchapel.com