Rita Marie (Kontny) Oman

OSHKOSH, Wis. - Rita Marie (Kontny) Oman, 77, formerly of Bessemer, Michigan, passed away Dec. 29, 2020, at her son's home in Oshkosh.

Rita was born on July 10, 1943, daughter of Frank and Stella (Albertson) Kontny. She graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1961.

Rita started her career at the Gogebic County Department of Human Services, worked for lawyers in Wisconsin and Michigan and at Josephson's Nursing Home. She also owned and operated Erickson's Pineaire Café. Most will remember Rita as the administrative assistant for Gogebic County Transit. She retired in 2018.

Rita enjoyed bowling, crocheting, camping and knitting, but her greatest love was her family. Though she experienced great hardships, she always found ways to laugh and to share that laughter with others. Her sassy, smart, selfless, kind, funny, thoughtful, generous, tenacious and fearless personality lives on in her children and grandchildren. She was always who she wanted to be, never caring what others thought. Her confidence was inspiring.

Rita was married to Gordon "Red" Oman. He preceded her in death on Aug. 7, 2020. Other deceased members of her family include her parents, Stella and Frank Kontny; brother-in-law, Edward Karling; great-nephew, Timothy Karling; and great-niece, Clara Joy Romanowski.

Survivors include her daughter, Louise Erickson (Timothy Jarvis) and grandson, Timothy Jarvis Jr .; son, Kevin Erickson and granddaughter, Logyne Erickson; sister, Joyce Karling; brother, Dennis (Susan) Kontny, nephews, Ryan and Dennis, and niece, Becky Kontny.

Additional survivors are nephew, Mark (Kathy) Karling, great-nephew, Christopher; niece, Karla Karling (Sean Hall), great-niece, Kate Joy; niece, JoLee (Tom) Romanowski, great nephew, Tommy, great-nieces, Ellery and Ashley (John) Monette, and great-great niece, Sophie James.

Condolences may be sent to Kevin Erickson, 1322 Grove St., Oshkosh, WI 54901.

Due to the coronavirus, a memorial celebration will be held at a later date.