Rita Katherine Roemer

Rita K. Roemer

June 5, 1952 – March 20, 2025

Janesville/Madison, WI - Rita K. Roemer, 72, passed away on March 20, 2025 at the home of her caregiver in Janesville. She was born June 5, 1952 in LaCrosse, WI, oldest child to Bernard and Josephine (Menard) Roemer.

Rita lived and worked most of her life in Madison. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and then went on to work at the University’s Memorial Library for over 40 years. Rita and her dearest friend, Linda Williamson, bought a house on Redwood Lane in Madison where they loved and spoiled their dear cat, Ella. Rita resided here until her health deteriorated and she required additional care.

Rita’s greatest passion was reading. She always had a book or two as well as a copy of the Smithsonian or Scientific American magazine with her. Rita was aware of and knowledgeable about many different topics, issues, historical events and cultures. She was a very polite, caring, respectful, kind and generous soul who regularly contributed to help support community, educational and charitable causes like 2nd Harvest Foods, Wis. Public Television, food drives, libraries, Salvation Army, ASCPA, etc. She was also very aware of and concerned about the environment and used eco-friendly products, composting, and “reduced, reused, and recycled” regularly.

Rita is survived by her siblings Sharon (Tim) Schmalz, John (Deb), Rose Anderson, Joseph (Lynette), James (Janice), Michael, Thomas (Veronika), Br. Robert Roemer, Renee (Ron) Bell Roemer and Fr. Richard Roemer, CFR; as well as step siblings, numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and her dear friend, Linda.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, from 1 pm until the time of the memorial service at 2:30 pm.

The family would like to extend their great appreciation to Paula McGuire, Rita’s primary caretaker, for her loving care over the last 4+ years, and to Agrace Hospice Care.