Rita Mae Clasen

Rita Mae Clasen, 87, of Bellevue, passed away Friday, February 14, 2014 at Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial for Rita will be held Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 10:30 A.M. in St. Joseph Catholic Church Bellevue. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call Monday evening from 3 to 7 P.M. at Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue, and again on Tuesday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. also at the Funeral Home. Rita was born on May 24, 1926 in St. Donatus, Iowa daughter of Aloysius and Agnes (Malone) Heiar. She married Leo P. Clasen on November 12, 1945 in Bellevue and rejoined with him this Valentine's day. Rita was a homemaker most of her life, she also worked at Dolches Bakery and Pacific Coast Feather Co. in Maquoketa, and the Drive-In in Preston. Rita was very proud of her family and enjoyed hosting holiday meals. She had a great sense of humor and would offer stories about raising her 5 children on the farm with Peter. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, and embroidery. She often drove the countryside and would find a garage sale or auction. Mostly, she loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She will be sadly missed but endearingly remembered as Mom. Those left to honor her memory include her three sons, David, of Bellevue, Charlie (Rose), of Asbury and Francis (Susie Winkler), of Davenport; and two daughters, Helen Willey, of Dubuque and Madonna (Butch) Bormann, of Preston; 11 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren (another on the way in April); sister Mary Ernst, of Bellevue; and sister in-law, Velma Clasen, of LaMotte She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, Delbert and Leo; and two sisters, Theresa Heiar and Dorothy Ernst. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.comReception:American Legion111 Market StreetBellevue, IA 52031