Rita C. Killian, age 68, of Isanti died March 25, 2014 at Fairview University Hospital in Minneapolis. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, March 31st at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 38725 Forest Blvd, North Branch with Fr. James David Hahn as Celebrant. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass Monday at the Church and also from 3:00 – 6:00 P.M. Sunday, March 30th at Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel. Interment will be in Morningside Cemetery in Coon Rapids.
Rita was born to John and Pearl (Jablonecki) Kapala on December 28, 1945 in Minneapolis, MN. She grew up in Northeast Minneapolis and attended Holy Cross School through the eighth grade. In 1963 she graduated from Vocational High School and Technical Institute in Minneapolis.
Rita married John Killian on December 2, 1967 and spent two years in Seattle, WA before returning to Coon Rapids, MN where they began their family. After the birth of their first son, Thomas Killian, they moved to Isanti where they welcomed Scott Killian and Jeff Killian to the family.
The mother of three boys, Rita devoted her time to raising her children and providing a loving home for her family. Being a hockey mom was one of many highlights in her life. As her boys grew, she held various part-time jobs and volunteered her time to several organizations including LaLeche League, MN Citizens Concerned for Life, and Cub Scouts. Most recently, she found great joy working as security personnel for Securitas and as an office manager at the Regency Condominiums.
Rita Killian passed away March 25, 2014 at the age of 68 years, 2 months and 25 days. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, John, and daughter, Julie.
Rita leaves behind three sons, Tom (Laurie), Scott (Cathy), and Jeff (Stephanie); six beautiful grandchildren, Danny, Nathan, Zoey, Jared, Maya, and Gabe, whom she cherished deeply. Each grandchild received special one-on-one dates with Grandma and precious memories blossomed from those outings. Other interests included the Black Hills of South Dakota, The North Shore of Lake Superior, collecting lighthouses from all over the world (Split Rock was her favorite), and searching out a good bargain.
Rita’s compassion for people was evident everywhere she went and to all she came in contact with.
I worked with Rita at the Regency Condominiums and she will be missed by all. I only had the opportunity to know Rita for a little over a year. I always looked forward to her coming into work, speaking about her family, grand children and camping adventures. I think the last one was when she went to Hollywood. One could definitely tell Rita truly enjoyed her time with her family. She always took the time to ask me how I was doing. I will be going into the Regency Saturday and it will not be the same as I she won’t be coming at 2 pm to take over the next shift. RIP Rita as you will be missed by all!
I met Rita when my husband took me out to dinner with the Mystic Lake Group. This group was made up of Burns Security employees who worked the Mystic Lake events. It was always a joy to talk to Rita. She was so energetic and very entertaining. The last time I saw her was late last fall. She will really be missed by our group. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
I am very sorry to her Rita’s death.my prayers go out to family.may she rest in peace.i moved into the regency condominiums in 2012.i enjoyed seeing Rita in the office.i enjoyed talking to her.i will miss her