Rita Ann Kline

Rita Ann Kline (née Klopatek), age 88, passed away on Sunday, December 31st, 2023. She was born on February 22, 1935, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to John F. and Veronica C. Klopatek.

She is survived by her children: Patrick (Joy), Mary, and Mark (Jennifer) Kline; her grandchildren: Alex (Gray), Jessica, and Sarah Kline; one great grandson: Patrick Ramsay Kline; and her brother: John "Jack" Klopatek. She was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Thomas, and her brothers, Ralph (Susan) and Robert Klopatek.

After graduating from Pulaski High School, Rita attended secretarial school, which led to a position at Juneau High School. She and Patrick were married on December 21, 1957, and immediately moved to Augusta, Georgia, where Patrick served as a private at Camp (now Fort) Gordon. While in Georgia, Rita worked as a medical transcriptionist at St. Joseph's Hospital where their first son, Patrick, was born in 1959.

Upon returning to Milwaukee, Rita became the original do-it-all mom. She raised three children while working for St. Francis Hospital as a medical transcriptionist. She went on to work for a prominent psychiatrist as an administrative assistant, but later returned to St. Francis to work with her many friends. Even after retiring, she gathered each year for birthday lunches with the St. Francis women. Rita always found time for family and friends!

Rita had the patience of a saint. She taught all three children how to drive at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery “driving course.” She typed numerous school assignments for her kids, including college essays. She always listened and offered comfort. She was a hands-on grandmother, spending years taking care of her grandchildren in lieu of daycare. She never missed a chance to play on the floor (or in the water) with them and always found the energy to keep up with her “little angels.” She was also loved by her GrandCats and GrandDogs!

Rita loved the water, especially boat rides with her family on Lake Beulah. She learned to play tennis in her forties, and also enjoyed reading, gardening, playing the piano, winning card games, sipping Guinness, and traveling. Her favorite trips included visiting London (Wimbledon) with friends, Mexico with Mary, the Caribbean with her husband, as well as Georgia and Florida for vacations with her grandchildren.

A memorial gathering will take place on Friday, February 16th, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Bruskiewitz Funeral Home (5355 W Forest Home Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53220), followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration are appreciated. https://www.theaftd.org/wisconsin/