Rita Ann Wetzel, 76, of Sioux Falls, SD peacefully passed away at the Avera Dougherty Hospice House on Friday, March 13, 2026, after a short but courageous battle with an unrelenting and formidable form of cancer. She was cared for and surrounded by her loving family and friends as she endured her brief cancer journey with determination and grace.

Rita was born and raised on December 19th, 1949 in Owatonna, MN to Dale and Gertrude Wetzel (Dinse). She graduated from Owatonna High School in 1968 and the Twin Cities and Richfield, MN became her home for most of her adult life. She was a devoted mother, a beloved grandmother and a cherished friend. She forged her own path with fortitude and strength and built a life she loved. Rita put herself through college, earning a Bachelor's Degree from Metropolitan State University and a Master's Degree from Augsburg University all while raising her two children, Chris and Angi. She had a successful career in Information Technology at Control Data and 3M in St. Paul, MN and proudly retired from 3M in 2009. Her promotion to Grandma Rita led her to Sioux Falls, SD to be near her grandchildren where she had resided since 2014.

As a mother, Rita was passionate in providing life skills and experiences for Chris and Angi, readying them for the world. There was endless chauffeuring to biking, skiing, gymnastics, soccer and track competitions while always supporting and encouraging their academics and education. She created a love of the outdoors and adventure in her kids through YMCA summer camps, road trips throughout the U.S., the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and international travel opportunities; never missing an opportunity to cheer them on and support their futures.

Rita's grandchildren, Stella and Lucy were the light of her life. She was happiest taking them for ice cream, playing card games, baking, crafting, attending their sporting events and school activities and taking road trips together. In her younger days she enjoyed running, cycling and downhill and cross-country skiing. A treasured memory was her running as a torch bearer for 3M during the Atlanta Summer Olympics Torch Relay that passed through St.Paul. In recent years, you could find her hiking at Good Earth State Park, a favorite place for her and her beloved dog, Rusty. She also had an amazing passion for quilting, crafting and card making and created many pieces of art for family, friends and charities. A good book was never far from her reach and a good friend was always lucky to be in her presence.

Grateful for having shared in Rita's life are her son, Chris; her daughter, Angi, and son-in-law Eric; and grandchildren, Stella and Lucy; Rita's sister, Sharon Carstens; and her nieces and nephew, Kyle, Gail and Lisa; and their children along with many other family members as well as her many friends including the North Star Ski Touring Club, the TC Coffee Club at the Bluffs and her fellow quilters and card makers.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Gertrude Wetzel, and her brother, Dwaine Wetzel.

A Celebration of Life will be held this spring at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Rita, we invite you to honor her love of Good Earth State Park with a donation toward a memorial park bench. Memorial contributions can be made to the Rita Wetzel Good Earth State Park Memorial and mailed to 312 E 20th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105.