Rita C. Amundson

Rita’s services will be viewable on this page starting at 6:30PM and 1:30PM:

Please note: If the signal drops during today’s livestream, a recording of the full service will be uploaded at a later date.

Rita Carolyne Amundson, 91, Walcott, ND, died Thursday, June 27, 2024, on a calm, clear, starlit night at her home on the farm in Walcott, ND, surrounded by many family members.

Rita Carolyne Priebe was born in Breckenridge, MN on December 2, 1932, to parents Benjamin and Elnora (Swenson) Priebe. She graduated from Breckenridge High School and Valley City State Teachers College. On August 15, 1953, she married Omar Amundson, and they enjoyed 62 years of marriage and adventure. In recent years she delighted in travel and companionship with loving friend and partner, Gailen Narum.

As a very special mom, she loved being around others including all kids when she worked as teacher in her earlier years and then as school playground supervisor, house parent and foster parent. She also mothered three foreign exchange students who became bona fide members of the family. The revolving doors on her home welcomed (so many!) kids, lifelong friends and many relatives, who she always remembered and cherished.

She also walked with Jesus throughout her life as her church was central in so many ways, serving as a house parent for the children of missionaries in Papua New Guinea for over four years. She was a very active member of the church in the communities where she lived, with the last years spent at the Shepherd of the Prairie parish in Walcott (aka Walcott Lutheran Church), a place Amundson ancestors helped build more than 100 years ago. The pastors became best friends and fellow members were special in her heart.

Not many are blessed to live 91 years. She wanted to live to 100, but God had other plans to bring her home. Over the years, she enjoyed many family trips, travels to six continents, holiday gatherings, special events and phone calls. She and Omar enjoyed the camaraderie of Sons of Norway with Rita becoming a 50-year member. She meant so much to so many and we all know how she made connections with everyone she met.

She is survived by her dear friend and companion, Gailen Narum; brother, Reid (Connie) Priebe; children, Twila (Greg) Hanks, Barry Amundson, Randy (MJ Dimich) Amundson, Sonja Amundson, Eric (Betty) Amundson, Monte (Lisa) Amundson, and Heidi (Richard Pearson) Amundson; grandchildren, Madeline (Justin) Lund, Ian Hanks (fiancé Kelly Breeggemann), Amber Stephens, Paul (Samantha) Amundson, Kylie (Aaron) Weatherford, Collin (Audrey) Amundson, Olivia (Tyler) Owen, Brady Amundson, Anders Pearson, and Nolan Pearson. Her surviving great grandchildren are Beckett Lund, Callie Lund, Kaylee (John Maxwell) Sanderson, Payton Taylor, Alara Amundson, Wyatt Amundson, and great-great grandchildren Lyla Collins and Will Maxwell. Also surviving are special nieces, Heidi (Gazza) Dowling and MaryAnn Amundson.

She is loved and remembered by her “foreign” children, Fr Francisco Chauvet, Asta (Paul) Hoftun Caspari, and Carlos (Gloria) Holguin.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Lynn Priebe; husband, Omar Amundson; nephew, Robbie Priebe and infant grandson, TA Amundson.

The funeral service for Rita will be Wednesday, July 3 at 1:30 pm at Walcott Lutheran Church, Walcott, ND with visitation one hour prior.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 2 at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo from 5:00 to 7:30 pm with a time for sharing and prayer service at 6:30. A family burial will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being made by Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo ND. Online guestbook at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com. Rita requests memorials to Walcott Lutheran Church.