Rita M. Kenna
June 2, 1951 ~ January 8, 2024
Rita (Leingang) Kenna, age 72, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Monday, January 8, 2024, at the Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, ND.
Rita was born on June 2, 1951, to Christian and Albina Leingang. As the oldest child with seven siblings, Rita was a loving sister and after the death of her mother, the matriarch of the Leingang family. Having an annual sister’s weekend was something Rita cherished.
She met the love of her life, Donald, where they worked at the Star Light and Moon Light Drive-ins, and they were soon engaged to start their life together. Rita and Don were married on June 29, 1974, in Fargo, ND. Rita lived a full life filled with joy and happiness alongside her husband of 50 years.
Finding joy in the simple things in life came easy to Rita. She loved spending time at her cabin in Minnesota enjoying rides on the pontoon, swimming, power walks, and pedicures. During their life together, Rita and her husband traveled throughout the country with a few trips on their motorcycle. As a mother, Rita loved spending time with her two children, Amy, and “Little” Don, and watching all their activities.
Rita was committed to service in all the communities in which she lived. She was an active volunteer working with the Jayceettes, Women of Today, Sweet Adelines, and the Secretary/Treasurer of the Polk County Historical Society of Union Lake East Shore, MN. Rita was also employed in a wide variety of jobs over the years. She especially enjoyed her work at the Basilica of St. James in Jamestown, ND for ten years in Youth Ministries.
Rita is survived by her loving husband, Donald, Grand Forks, ND, her daughter, Amy (William) Davis, Fargo, ND, Donald C. (Jennifer) Kenna, grandchildren, Harlee Kenna and Kaelen Kenna, Garner, NC; six sisters: Judy Thorstensen Fargo, ND, Cynthia Leingang, Aneta, ND, Mary (Howard) Kenna, Little Falls, MN; Patty (David) Desharnais Fargo, ND, Connie (Mark) Ostern, Rapid City, SD, Nancy (James) Melting Fargo, ND, and one brother, Chris Leingang, San Diego, CA; and many nieces and nephews and their spouses. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother-in-law, Terry Thorstensen.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00-5:00 PM with a time of sharing at 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 29th, 2024, at the Holiday Inn, Fargo, ND.
“In honor of Rita’s love of the beach, those attending her Celebration of Life are asked to wear tropical or floral clothing.”
Rita’s family would like to thank the staff of the Roger Maris Cancer Center, Sanford Hospital and Hospice House support and care they provided for support in her battle with cancer over the past three years.
Services
Celebration of Life - Saturday: June 29, 2024 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Holiday Inn
3803 13th Ave S
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/fargo/farnd/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-HI-_-US-_-FARND
Sharing of Memories: June 29, 2024 2:00 pm
Holiday Inn
3803 13th Ave S
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/fargo/farnd/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-HI-_-US-_-FARND
Visitation - Friday: January 12, 2024 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Memorial Service - Friday: January 12, 2024 6:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
So sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. She fought a valiant battle.
My deepest sympathy to Don and family. She was a warm and loving person.
So sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. She was such a dear. Loved her on the pontoon she loved the lake!! That lady was a fun time! Enjoyed by all
prayers are with you
love you all
Kris and Julie Condon
Don. Our deepest sympathies. May she rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon her. God Bless you and your family.
We were neighbors of the Leingangs’ back on 20th St in Fargo in the early 70’s. Many memories of those days. So sorry for the loss of Rita. “May the Angels Welcome Her to Paradise'”
Deepest sympathy for your loss
Haven’t seen Rita since high school but will always remember her beautiful smile!
Don, Amy & little Don, we are so sorry for your loss of Rita/mom. I have so many fond and fun memories of the sweetest & kindest lady.
Hold onto all those beautiful memories you made over the years & know you have many who are there for you. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
All my love,
Dawn
Our deepest condolences for your loss. While our time knowing Rita was just a few years, we thought your family was outstanding. From the Klocke family and all of us at St. John Paul II Catholic Schools, you will be in our prayers. God Bless.
John and Jan Klocke
Hi Big Don, Amers, and Little Don,
I am so sorry for your loss. I love Rita, who will always hold a special place in my heart. I spent SO much time at your home growing up…you probably felt sometimes like you had three kids. Time with your family in Jamestown, Catholic youth trips with Rita and Amy, and weekends at your cabin in MN are among my happiest memories of childhood. I love you all so much. I am sending you all my love, prayers, and happy memories at this difficult time.
Hi Big Don, Amers, and ‘Little’ Don,
I am so sorry for your loss. Rita was always a 2nd mom to me, and I cherished all my time with your family growing up. Catholic Youth trips with Rita and Amy, weekends at your cabin, and SO MUCH time at your house are some of my happiest memories while growing up (at times it must have seemed like you had way more than 2 kids with how often we were there). I cherish all these happy memories with Rita and your family, my bonus family. Love you all so very much. Sending all my love, prayers, and joyful memories at this difficult time.