Rita J. McMullen, 77, of Florence, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at Golden Living Center, Florence.
She was born September 14, 1934, in Iron Mountain, Mich., daughter of the late Thomas and Santina (Feira) Trama. Rita grew up in Iron Mountain and graduated from Iron Mountain High School. After graduating, she moved to Milwaukee, Wis., where she worked for a few years. She then moved back to Iron Mountain and went to work for Red Owl as a bookkeeper.
Rita married Kenneth Sjoberg in 1953. He preceded her in death in 1964, and is survived by their daughter, Pamela (Keith Coy) Counter, Spread Eagle, and her children, Ty (Angela) Counter and children Cade and Mia, and Jeny (Dan) Shanoski, and her children, Tristen, and Ryan.
She later married Ronald McMullen in 1969. He preceded her in death on March 31, 2006, and is survived by his children, Linda (Bob) Viste of Waupaca, Wis., and their children, Erik (Lindsey) Viste and children Emillia and Cole, Andrew, Alex, Ellie and Anna Viste; Michael O. McMullen of Hancock, Mich., and his son, Gabe McMullen; Nancy St. Germaine of Lac Du Flambeau, Wis., and her children, Sarah Nayes and her children, Brionna, Kenzie, Keegan, and Aiden; and Seth Nayes and Jessie Ambrosia; Sandra McMullen of Sister Bay, Wis., Paul McMullen of Atlanta, Ga. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In 1969, Rita moved to Florence. While living in Florence, she served as the Register of Deeds for Florence County for many years. Also, she and Ronald owned and operated the Lakeside Bed and Breakfast, which still operates today. This fulfilled her longtime dream.
Rita was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She enjoyed many hobbies including playing bridge, fishing, being in the sunshine, giving advice, and especially spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Along with her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by one brother, Steven Trama; two sisters, Phyllis Lupini, and Genevive Bornfleth.
The visitation will be Saturday, January 7, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence. The funeral service will be held 12:00 p.m., Saturday at the funeral home. Rev. Fr. Matt Settle will officiate. Burial will be in the Commonwealth Cemetery in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Rita's memory.
You may light a candle in remembrance of Rita or leave a condolence to her family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com
The Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence, is serving the family.