Rita Thissen

Rita Thissen, age 82, of Clara City passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Clara Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 4:00-6:00 PM at St. Clara Catholic Church with Rosary at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service.

Rita Lucille Martin was born on October 26, 1943, in Cornlea, Nebraska, to William and Agnes (Bender) Martin Jr. She was baptized in Cornlea and confirmed at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Granite Falls. Rita attended school in Granite Falls and graduated in 1960. After graduation, she went to work at Wonderalls.

On October 3, 1964, Rita was united in marriage to Felix Thissen at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Granite Falls. The couple made their home in Clara City and were blessed with four children, Rick, Scott, Shelly and Suzy. In the early years she continued working at Wonderalls, and as she became a mother, she did babysitting and various jobs locally until 1984 when Rita became a pharmacy tech at Stager Drug Store in Clara City.

Rita was an active member of St. Clara Catholic Church where she served with the CCW. She also was part of the Homemakers Club. Rita enjoyed circle word books, sewing and taking care of her family. Though life brought her health challenges, Rita was always positive, seeing the beauty in life. She was cheerful and a jokester.

Rita is survived by her husband, Felix Thissen of Clara City; children, Rick (Dawn) Thissen of Eagan, Scott (Nicole) Thissen of Montevideo, Suzy Thissen of Edinburg , TX; son-in-law, Brian O’Leary (Heather) of Litchfield; grandchildren, Emma Krech, Sarah Thissen, Aiden Thissen, Karson Thissen, Cameron (Kayla) Thissen, Parker Thissen, Shaun O’ Leary, Tayler (Jared) Pedersen, Olivia O’Leary; great grandchildren, Brynnlee, Leo; siblings, Donald Martin, Raymond (Marge) Martin, Angela Lock, Arlene (Robert) Stager; brothers and sisters-in-law, Joe (Alice) Thissen, Phyllis (Jim) Levno; as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Agnes Martin; daughter, Shelly O’Leary; siblings, Mary and Joseph; brothers-in-law, Phillip Thissen, Carl Lock.