Rita Dietz, 93, Faribault

Rita Dietz died Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Mill City Senior Living in Faribault.

Friends may greet the family at Brick-Meger Funeral Home of Owatonna from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2022. Funeral service will be Wednesday, May 25 at Brick-Meger Funeral Home at 11 a.m., with visitation continuing one hour prior to the service.

Rita Elizabeth Broulik was born in Owatonna, on March 5, 1929. She was the first of three children born to Elizabeth (Elsie) Rose (Jirousek) Broulik and Albert W. Broulik. Rita attended Saco Country School in Somerset Township, MN through 8th grade. Rita then moved to her Aunt Martha Haberman’s house in Owatonna in order to attend Owatonna High School, doing housework in exchange for room and board. Rita was a member of the Owatonna High School graduating class of 1947.

After high school, Rita attended Normal Teachers College in Austin, earning her teaching certificate. Rita began her teaching career in numerous country schools in Steele and Dodge counties.

On Aug. 5, 1952, Rita was united in marriage to Bernard Dietz at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna. Bernard and Rita made their home in Claremont where Bernard worked as a mechanic at Deml Garage and Rita continued teaching. Their children Doreen and Duane were born while they were living in Claremont.

In 1956, Bernard and Rita bought a farm in Merton Township and in 1958, they built a house on the property. Rita began helping on the farm and was a substitute teacher at various country schools and St. Mary’s School in Owatonna. She continued to substitute teach until her youngest child was in school and then she returned to teaching full time. During this time, she also continued her education with summer and night classes and earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mankato State University in 1970. Rita was hired to teach third grade in Medford in 1970. She taught in Medford for 25 years, retiring in 1995.

Bernard and Rita moved to Owatonna in 1998. While living in Owatonna, Rita spent many hours as a volunteer for the American Red Cross, helping with the blood mobile. She was a long-time member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Medford.

In 2019, with her memory fading, Rita moved to Medford Senior Care and later to Mill City Senior Care in Faribault. Her family is very thankful for the loving and compassionate care she received at both facilities.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bernard in 2009, sister Eileen, five sisters-in-law, five brothers-in-law, granddaughters Allison Koepp and Melissa (Koepp) DeYager, and great-grandson Levi DeYager.

Rita is survived by daughter Doreen (Kevin) Koepp, son Duane (Kim) Dietz, brother Luke Broulik,

grandson-in-law Royce DeYager, great-grandchildren Gus and Letty; grandson Aaron (Elizabeth) Koepp, great-grandchildren Liam, Charlotte, Evelyn, Ben, and Josie; grandson Peter (Samantha) Koepp, great-grandchildren Noah and Harvey; granddaughter Katie Koepp; granddaughter Stephanie Dietz-Gill (Nick Gill), great-grandchildren Dawson and Devin; granddaughter Ashley (Jeff) Gunther, great-grandchildren Kael and Allie; and granddaughter Mallorie (Kyle) DeCoux and great-grandchild Kaden.

Memorials may be directed to “Walk to End Alzheimer’s.” For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.