Visitation will be after 9:30 a.m. on Thursday at Zion Lutheran Church, Manning
Funeral Service on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church
Officiating, Pastor Jonathan Conner
Music "I'm But A Stranger Here", "Here I Am, Lord", Congregation, "In The Garden" DeEtte Grabill, Vocalist, Carolyn Kerkhoff, Organist
Casket Bearers: Terry Saunders, Abby Drees, Travis Drees, Lucas Reising, Ryne Chamberlin, and Sean Iske
Honorary Casket Bearers: Luella Borkowski, Pat Olson, Miriam Weets, Joni Saunders, Dori Rotert, and Bonnie Wanninger
Burial at the Manning Cemetery
Ohde Funeral Home in charge of services

Rita Ann, daughter of George and Hilda (Opperman) Nissen, was born July 28, 1927, on the farm west of Manning in Crawford County, Iowa. She attended country school at Iowa No. 6 through the eighth grade and graduated from Manning High School in in 1944. Rita then took commercial extension classes for a short time in Omaha, Nebraska before returning home.

On June 25, 1950, Rita was united in marriage with Velie Saunders at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. Two children were born to this marriage. Rita worked many years at The Dime Store and then at L.R. Nelson Manufacturing for 19 years. For many years, the couple worked part-time as custodians at the church. After Velie passed away in 1990, she worked at the Manning Plaza for 14 years, retiring in 2008.

Rita was a lifelong resident of Manning and a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church. She liked going shopping with her friends and cherished the time spent with her family and grandchildren. A friend to everyone, Rita was very kind and giving.

On Monday, January 1, 2024, Rita passed away at Accura Healthcare of Carroll, Carroll, Iowa, at the age of 96 years, 5 months, and 4 days.

She was preceded in death by her husband Velie, her parents, and a brother Roger Nissen and his wife Alice.

Rita is survived by her daughter Rebecca and husband Mark Kapfer of Bettendorf and son Randy Saunders of Carroll. She was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.