Rita J. Broecker

Ft. Jennings – Rita J. Broecker, 87, of Ft. Jennings, died 1:34 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2015, at her residence. She was born January 7, 1928 in Ottoville, to the late George and Leona (Brinkman) Smith. On June 1, 1954 she married Elwood "Pats" Broecker who died February 17, 2005.

She is survived by five children: Patricia "Patty" Broecker of Kalida, Elmer (Cathy) Broecker of West Jefferson, Dolores "Dolly" (Mike) Schnipke of Kalida, Robert "Bob" (Joan) Broecker of Delphos, Martha "Marty" (Tony) Burgei of Cloverdale; one sister:Eileen (Barclay) Marling of Lima; eight grandchildren: Catie Broecker, Kelly Schnipke, Scott Schnipke, Cody Schnipke, Christopher Broecker, Shawn Broecker, Nikki Burgei, and Jenny Burgei.

She was preceded in death by an infant son: Elwood Broecker; and an infant brother.

Rita was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Ft. Jennings, the Ft. Jennings American Legion Auxiliary, the Ottoville VFW Auxiliary, and the St. Rita's Alumni Association. She was a graduate of the St. Rita's Nursing School, where she earned her degree as an RN. She spent many years at St. Rita's, Van Wert Hospital and finally at Cloverdale Paradise Oaks. She enjoyed playing cards, going on fishing trips with "Pats," gambling, taking care of those she loved, and especially enjoyed watching the grandkids and watching the grandkids athletics.

A Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ft. Jennings, with Fr. Mark Hoying officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 2 to 8 p.m. at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township, and an hour prior to service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com