Rita A. Lansing

DYERSVILLE, IOWA

Rita A. (Wille) Lansing, 88, of Dyersville, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, at Dyersville Senior Care, surrounded by the love of her family.

Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville. Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9 – 10 a.m. prior to funeral mass.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, Iowa. Burial will follow funeral dinner at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Farley, Iowa. Rev. David Schatz will officiate.

Rita was born on October 27, 1937, in Garnavillo, Iowa, to Joseph Leo and Theresa Olivia (Schaeffer) Wille. She attended St. Joseph School in Garnavillo through the eighth grade.

On June 13, 1959, Rita married the love of her life, John W. Lansing, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Garnavillo. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service to one another. They farmed south of Farley, where they raised their eleven children and created a home filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Nothing brought Rita greater joy than spending time with her family. Whether gathered around the Euchre table, sharing meals, celebrating holidays, or simply enjoying one another's company, family was always at the heart of everything she did. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved.

Rita was always ready for an adventure. She especially loved being outdoors and found happiness in nature, whether wading through rivers and streams, working in the garden, or simply enjoying the beauty of God's creation. She was John's constant partner, often assisting him with woodworking projects and tending their gardens. Their shared hobbies reflected the teamwork and companionship that defined their marriage.

She is survived by her children: Julie (Steve) Leibold of Earlville, Shirley (Mark) Singsank of Dyersville, Sharon (Jason) Wegh of Loudon, TN, Randy (Luanne) Lansing of Nashville, NC, Rod (Sue) Lansing of Dyersville, Carol (Mike) Kilkelly of Belleville, WI, Jim (Amy) Lansing of Cedar Rapids, Laura (Mike) Decker of Dyersville, Mike (Jill) Lansing of Waukee, Amanda (Nick) Gansemer of Cedar Rapids; and daughter-in-law, Joan Lansing-Goedken of Peosta. She was a proud grandmother of 31 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild on the way.

Rita is also survived by her siblings: Mary Hampton and Ed (Agnes) Wille; sister-in-law, Annie Wille; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Bernice Lansing, Verna (Leroy) Bries, Willie (Joan) Lansing, Betty Mullis, and many adored nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was welcomed into heaven by her beloved husband, John; son, Jerry Lansing; son-in-law, Peter Knipper; parents, Joseph and Theresa Wille; parents-in-law, Lawrence and Amanda Lansing; siblings: Bernice (Herman) Phillip, Sr. Josanne Wille, Joe Wille, Ray (Laura Ann) Wille, Nell (Harold) Preuss, Clara (Stanley) Moser, Dorothy (Keith) Schmelzer, Theresa Huinker, Theodore Wille, brother-in-law Walt Hampton; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Joe (Ruth) Lansing, Art Lansing, Catherine (Hugo) Engelken, Jerome (Mary Margaret) Lansing, Wilma (Leon) Mullis.

Rita's greatest legacy is the family she nurtured with unconditional love, quiet strength, and endless devotion. She taught by example that life's greatest treasures are found in simple moments—simply enjoying one another's company. Her adventurous spirit, strong work ethic, and gentle heart will continue to live on in the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and remembered every time her family gathers together.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Dyersville Senior Care and Hospice of Dubuque for the exceptional care and dignity they showed Rita. Your kindness brought comfort to all of us, and we will never forget it.

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.