Rita Ottensmeier

Rita J. Ottensmeier, age 87, of Trenton, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Trenton Village. She was born on April 7, 1939, in Breese, the daughter of the late Henry and Louisa (nee Schleper) Pingsterhaus.

On April 29, 1959, she married Marcellus Ottensmeier in Breese, he passed away January 20, 1988. Rita is also preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Judith Ottensmeier; great granddaughter, Braelyn Zachary; siblings, Rosina (George) Hollenkamp, Raymond Pingsterhaus, Cecilia (Greg) Buss, Alvin Pingsterhaus, Regina (Wilfred) Emig, Quinton Pingsterhaus and Ralph Pingsterhaus; and brothers-in-law & sisters-in-laws, Wilbert Kampwerth, Loretta Pingsterhaus (infancy), Hank Feldmann, Paula Ottensmeier, Dorothy Kirkland, Norbert (Dee) Ottensmeier, Eugene Ottensmeier and Bernie Ottensmeier.

Rita is survived by her children, Carl Ottensmeier of Trenton, Gerry (Lori) Ottensmeier of Trenton, Ronnie (Terri) Ottensmeier of Bluford and Roger (Kristie) Ottensmeier of Trenton; grandchildren, Christopher Wagoner, Nick (Kandas) Ottensmeier, Emily (fiancé-Nathan Skipworth) Ottensmeier, Cassidy Ottensmeier, Ashley (Wyatt) Waldron, Adam (Chasity) Zachary, Marcellus (Jess) Ottensmeier and Hunter (Riley) Ottensmeier; great grandchildren, Colesen, Levi, Wyatt, Presley, Braxon, Logan, Bryton and Miles; sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law, Amelia Pingsterhaus of Beckemeyer, Bernice Kampwerth of Bartelso, Mary Lou Feldmann of Aviston, Patricia Ottensmeier of Georgia, Charlene (Rich) Hesker of Mascoutah, James V. Ottensmeier of Trenton and Mike Kirkland of Alabama.

Rita was a devoted homemaker who took great pride in caring for her home and family. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the Red Hat Club. Rita enjoyed quilting, playing euchre and other card games, and in her younger years, line dancing. She loved going out to eat, traveling, and spending time with friends. Above all, Rita treasured the time she spent with her family, making memories and sharing laughter with those she loved most.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., at St. Francis Church in Aviston with Fr. Von C. Deeke. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Trenton.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 9:00 – 11:15 a.m., at St. Francis Church in Aviston.

In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Trenton Village Activity Fund and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St., Breese, IL 62230, which is serving the family.

Obit Provided By:
Moss Funeral Home