Rita R. Gahr

Rita R. Gahr, 92, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of 398 Main Street, Kersey, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Pinecrest Manor.

She was born November 1, 1930, in Johnsonburg, daughter of the late Andrew and Margaret Solomon Santaniello.  Rita was a lifelong resident of the area and attended Johnsonburg schools.

On June 2, 1951, in Holy Rosary Church, Rita married the late Edwin G. “Junie” Gahr, who preceded her in death on August 10, 2016.

Rita is survived by two daughters: Cindy Dippold (Terry) of St. Marys and Patti Gerber (Steve) of Kersey; one son, Gary Gahr (Debbie) of Kersey; five grandchildren: Nathan Dippold, Tracy Uhl, Shawn Meyer, Trevor Gahr, and Tyler Gahr; six great-grandchildren: Alaina Uhl, Dominic Uhl, Cadence Uhl, Akemi Meyer, Timothy Meyer, and Peter Simon Dippold; two sisters: Dolores Lindgren (Bruce) of Johnsonburg and Cecelia Weaver of Youngstown, OH; sisters-in-law: Pat Santaniello, Joan Armanini, and Patty Gahr; brothers-in-law: Bernie Bauer, Chuck McClain, and Dennis Vollmer; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Rita was preceded in death by six sisters: Ann Struble, Elizabeth McClain, Kathy Wilson, Valerie Santaniello, Mary Nicklas, and Theresa Bauer; and by two brothers: Anthony Santaniello and Andrew “Butch” Santaniello, Jr.

She was a member of the St. Boniface Church.  She liked to garden, cherished her long walks with her husband, and was an incredible cook.  She put her family first and took great joy in watching her children and grandchildren grow into the people that they are.  She was the kindest person and will be missed.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the St. Boniface Church on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 10:00AM, with the Rev. Kevin Holland, Pastor, officiating.  Burial will be in the Parklawn Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held in the St. Boniface Gathering Space on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 9:00AM until the time of Mass.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box, 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.