Rita M. Huelskamp

Rita Mae (Homan) Huelskamp died on February 18, 2022. She was born October 6, 1927 in rural Cedar Rapids, Nebraska to John M. Homan and Margaret M. (Dieter) Homan. She grew up on the family farm and was valedictorian of her high school graduating class.

Rita was unique to her generation of young women. She was the first woman born in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska to attend college and among the first women to attend Creighton University’s School of Pharmacy. She excelled and earned in 1946 the Rho Chi Award as Creighton’s most outstanding pharmacy student. She served as a role model for her younger sister and brothers, all of whom she mentored, loved and supported throughout her life. And all of whom followed her to college.

Rita met her late husband, Bernard Huelskamp, a law student, during one of Creighton’s 1947 Homecoming events where Rita reigned as Homecoming Queen. They were married in 1948. Rita and Bernie left Omaha in 1951 and called many cities their home as they relocated often due to Bernie’s FBI career. They moved back to Nebraska in 1974, and she resided in Omaha since then. Rita made many good friends while playing cards in several bridge clubs, tennis clubs, and golfing leagues. She was always ready and willing to host a bridge club or to open her home to any relative or friend who needed a place to stay. She will be remembered for her hospitality and kindness to all who came through her front door. Rita is survived by her 7 children: Maggie Thomas of Newport, RI; Dave (Marianne) of Littleton, CO; John (Pat) of Evanston, IL; Ann Morrow of Honolulu, HI; Bob (Val) of Albuquerque, NM; Mary Beth Vonk (Brian) of Elkhorn, NE; and Lisa (Randy Lindsey) of Escondido, CA. Rita also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; her brother Paul Homan (Rosi), her brother-in-law, Ray Huelskamp (Jeanne, (Mary, deceased)), her brother-in-law Henry’s spouse Joan; and many nieces and nephews. Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Bernie; her first son, Joseph, who died at birth; her sister, Lorene Homan; her brothers, Leo Homan (Helen, Nelda) and Len Homan; son-in-law, Sam Thomas; sister-in-law Mary Pinaire (Bill, Ben Titus), and brother-in-law Henry Huelskamp (Geraldine). Rita will be dearly missed.



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