Rita Ann Preuss

PORTAGE – Rita Ann Preuss, age 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at UW Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Rita was born in Baraboo to Thaddeus J. and Dorthy (Parks) Pearson on April 10, 1938. Rita graduated from Prairie Du Sac High School in the class of 1956. She married Gerald B. Kjorlie on May 25, 1957. They had 4 children from their marriage, Pam (Dick) Onstad of Plover, Bill Kjorlie of Lodi, Paula Larrabee of Friendship, and Brian (Jennifer) Kjorlie of Portage. She is survived by her children and grandchildren, Leslie (Jeremy) Schmidt, Derek Onstad, Ryan (Andrea) Onstad, Athena Lockwood, Amanda Kjorlie, Aleisha Kjorlie, Gary (Shannon) Larrabee, Michael Larrabee, Missy (Ryland) Larrabee, and Abigail Kjorlie. Also survived by great grandchildren, Paige, Cooper, Lexie, Rhodes, Jamison, Zymirah, and Yemaya. Rita is survived by her sister, Ida Gannon; and her brother, George (Faye) Pearson; and many step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Gerald Kjorlie and Norvin Preuss; sister, Lyla (Willis) Schultz; brother-in-law, Terry Gannon; grandson, Kyle Kjorlie; son-in-law, Tom Larrabee; and daughter-in-law, Laurie.

Rita enjoyed gardening, crocheting, fishing, winters in Florida, and spending time with family. In her working years, she worked in the restaurant industry as a waitress and hostess.

Private family services will be held. A Celebration of Rita’s Life will take place at a later date.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.