Obituary

Rita Jo Wesely

March 21, 1956 - February 13, 2025

Rita Jo Wesely, 68, of Lincoln passed away on February 13, 2025, Born March 21, 1956, in Lincoln, NE to Ralph and Arline (Benes) Wesely.

Rita attended Waverly High School and earned her BA through Bellevue University.

From the beginning, Rita was outspoken, interested in everything, questioning everything. She was a crusader for social justice. This was evident in her years at Lincoln High, and remained constant in her many jobs, culminating in the years at the Commission on Public Advocacy. She was a great sports fan and coached a girls softball team when in her teens. She lived her faith, whether that meant creating the “Angel Tree” at Blessed Sacrament, or serving as a lector. Rita’s life was “Max-centric.” Her son, Max, came first in everything, and together they were an impressive pair. They shared a detailed knowledge of “Seinfeld” episodes and could always make each other laugh. Rita knew everyone and everyone knew her. A warrior heart, wicked smart, she was a force of nature. Heaven should be prepared.

Family members include her son, Max; sister Rebecca (Bob) Duncan; brothers Rod and Tom Wesely; sister-in-law Rita Jeanne Wesely; nieces and nephews. She was also raised with five Shonka cousins upon the untimely deaths of their parents.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dave.

Rosary: 7:00 pm Friday, March 7, 2025, Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ Street.

Memorial Mass: 10:00 am Saturday, March 8, 2025, St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, 7601 Vine Street.

Memorials to the family for future designation.

Links to Service Recordings: https://vimeo.com/1063745306?share=copy#t=0

https://vimeo.com/1063862073?share=copy#t=0

Services

March7

Rosary

CST

Roper & Sons Midtown Chapel

4300 O St.
Lincoln, NE 68510

(402) 476-1225
March8

Memorial Mass

CST

St. John The Apostle Catholic Church

7601 Vine St, Lincoln, Ne

Share a Memory or Condolence

March 8, 2025

Rita was the best of aunts. So much fun to be with and she made us all feel loved. She made a lasting impact on the lives of her nieces & nephews and we were blessed to call her aunt. She is incredibly missed. Rest in peace, dear Rita. We love you.

– Maggie
March 7, 2025

Our sincere condolences – Remembering our times at Park Avenue and what fun discussions we had with Rita as we enjoyed such a good neighbor. Praying for comfort from God to you and your family at this time.

– John and Tammy Kortum & Jeremy and Cassie Maher
March 4, 2025

Max, so sorry for your loss. I worked with Rita for many years at Erickson and Sederstrom Law Firm. I’m going through Chemo and Rita mailed me a note on the 2nd of February saying she was praying for me. I’ll treasure that note from her. I loved working with her. Max, you and your whole family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

– Kris Henn
March 4, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. I am a friend from way back when – Jolee Wilmes Wheatley. I knew Rod and Tom and Rita. When I worked for the State of Nebraska, Department of Labor, I occasionally saw and worked with Rita. Recently, I saw Rita at CVS on 70th and O Street and we visited a while. I will keep your family in my prayers. God Bless.

– Jolee Wheatley

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