Rita Jeanette Pennau

Rita Jeanette Pennau, 95, of Oshkosh passed away on Friday February 7, 2014 at her home surrounded by her loving children. Rita was born in Oshkosh, WI. on May 22, 1918. She was the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Zindler Loewen.Rita lived and attended school in Oshkosh. She then moved to New York to attend a Secretarial School. She lived and worked for a number of years in New York. She moved back to Oshkosh and on January 24, 1948 married John Pennau who preceded her in death on January 29, 2009.She was a member of First Congregational Church in Oshkosh.Rita worked at Newmans Clothing Store, J.F. Krumrich Jewelers, and Bauer Luggage all in Oshkosh. She was a dedicated leader in the Camp Fire Girls Organization. She was an active and longtime member of the Business Womens Organization of Oshkosh. She was also an active member of the Mercy Medical Centers Auxiliary and was honored for having over 13,000 hours of volunteer services, earning her the Emeritus Lifetime Auxiliary Volunteer status.Rita had a love for sewing, knitting, and craftwork, especially for making beautiful teddy bears, angels and Christmas ornaments.Rita is survived by and her memory will be cherished by her children, a son John Pennau II and a daughter Linda(Jeff) Weigandt, both of Oshkosh, four grandchildren Ben(Jana) Weigandt, Aaron(Elizabeth) Weigandt, Jonathan Weigandt all of Oshkosh, Sarah Weigandt of Madison and three great-grandchildren Owen, Elliot and Olivia Weigandt all of Oshkosh. She is further survived by two sisters-in-law Janice Pennau of Oshkosh, Audrey Pennau of Texas, a very special relative and friend Nancy Block of Virginia and many wonderful nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, and her four sisters Patricia McGlothlin, Germaine Falk, Jane DeHut, and Vera Schmude.A private family service has been held.A memorial has been established for First Congregational Church 137 Algoma Blvd Oshkosh, WI. 54901