Rita M. Calmes Obituary

Rita Marie Calmes, age 87, of Sussex WI, went home to be with her Lord & Savior on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Rita was born in Milwaukee Wisconsin, to the late William and Caroline Klein. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 68 years, Richard Calmes Sr. and her children; Lori (Bob) Schneider, Christine (Kevin) Konkol, David (Vicki) Calmes, Richard Jr. (Maureen) Calmes, Thomas (Trina) Calmes, Randall Calmes, Caroline (Brad) Burns, Donna (Roger) Porter, Kathleen (Kenneth) Nyhouse, Scott (Laurie) Calmes, Mary (Ben) Felda, Steven (Samantha) Calmes; grandchildren Brad (Tosha) Wallner, Brian (Lynn) Wallner, Jake (Ashley) Konkol, Kori (Nick H.) Konkol, Kelsey (Mike) Duncan, Jacob (Victoria Chen) Calmes, Samuel (Lisa) Calmes, Alexandria (Mike) Tribuzio, Austin Calmes, Kylie Spence, Kaitlyn Calmes, Kourtney Calmes, Nathan (Meredith) Burns, Olivia Burns, Danielle Riordan, Christian Porter, Lauren Porter, Jenna (Ben) Kroeger, Evan Nyhouse, Ryan Calmes, Mason Calmes, Devin Felda, Ashley Felda, Ryker Calmes, Amelia Calmes; great grandchildren Kayden Wallner, Carolyn Wallner, Abigail Wallner, Nicole.

Wallner, Brenna Wallner, Thallen Wallner, Merrick Wallner, Killian Wallner, Joanna Konkol, Beau Konkol, Lee Duncan, Evelyn Calmes, Maeve Calmes, Colette Calmes, Neiva Riordan, Evelyn Riordan and many cherished brother & sisters-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Rita's life was filled with moments that reflected her extraordinary spirit. She was an angel on earth, and now she is an angel in heaven, reunited with those she loved who have gone before her; parents William & Caroline Klein; mother & father in-law Joseph & Marie Calmes; brothers Merlyn Klein, & George Klein; son-in-law Bob Schneider and her two heavenly children, son; Kenneth John Calmes, and daughter; Jane Marie Calmes. Our beloved Rita, a woman whose life was a reflection of love, grace, faith and selflessness. Rita was truly one of a kind, a beautiful song, a melody in our lives: timeless, elegant, and precious beyond words. Her strength and beauty were shaped by patience and a heart full of compassion and love for everyone.

Rita had an incredible ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room, yet somehow, she managed to make all of us feel that way at the same time. Her home was open to everyone. Her warmth and kindness wrapped around everyone she met, leaving us all better for having known her. She was so many things to so many people: a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished sister & sister-in-law, an adoring grandmother and great grandmother, and a perfect friend. She was the heartbeat of her family, the kind of person who would drop everything to help, offer a shoulder to lean on, or simply share in our joys and sorrows. Rita didn't just care about others, she made it her mission to pour her love into every life she touched. Her hugs felt like home, and her presence brought peace and comfort. She gave endlessly and loved without limits, often putting everyone else's needs before her own. Her beauty-inside and out-was unmatched, and her unwavering faith was a guide for us all.

While our hearts ache with her loss, we take comfort in knowing her love and legacy will carry on in each of us. She was, and will always be, irreplaceable. Rita taught us how to live with grace, give with an open heart, and love without end. She will be missed more than words can say, but her memory will live on, reminding us to love deeply, and have the grace to forgive, just as she did. Visitation will be held at St. James Catholic Church W220 N6588 Town Line Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 where Rita attended and served faithfully for over 50 years. February 4th 2025, from 9:30 to 11:00am. Funeral Services will be held on February 4th at 11:00 am also at St. James Catholic Church W220 N6588 Town Line Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051. Fr. John Hemsing officiating.