Rita J. Stolt

Rita J. Stolt, age 63, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026 after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. She was diagnosed in the fall of 2022 while simultaneously caring for her husband who was battling cancer himself. The Lord blessed her and her loved ones with extra time on this earth despite having a cancer that usually had a short life expectancy. Throughout this diagnosis Rita still put others before herself and always kept a positive attitude.

Rita was born in Chippewa Falls on May 28, 1963 to John and Elizabeth “Babe” (Custer) Morning. She was baptized into the christian faith July 14, 1963 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bloomer and confirmed that faith there at her confirmation on May 15, 1977.

She married Gary “Bubba” Stolt on August 9, 1980 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bloomer. Bubba and Rita shared a deep love for one another and passed this love onto their 4 daughters and 8 grandchildren. She rarely missed a chance to attend a baseball game of Bubba’s and wore the title of “Bubba’s Wife” proudly. The crowd knew when she was in the stands as her cheers were heard by all. She found so much joy in attending all the extracurricular activities her husband, children and grandchildren participated in. Rita loved being a grandma. Without fail she was willing to help them with school work, sports practices, and always had a variety of snacks available. There were countless sleepovers filled with joy and laughter while playing cards or games, swimming, and movie nights.

Rita continually let her love for her Savior shine through to her students in her 25+ years as a teacher at St. Paul Lutheran School in Bloomer, WI. She was so passionate about teaching, and loved putting on her end of the year musicals. Rita shared her many talents with her church and school whenever she could. She typically taught grades 1-4 at St. Paul’s but also taught 5-8 and 3k-4k in her last years of teaching. Her students were blessed with her patience, love, knowledge, positive attitude, and kindness. She was truly a wonderful role model to all. She helped with the church choir, taught art, music, and phy-ed. Anyone who met her saw the faith, hope, and strength she had in the Lord. She always had a positive attitude and contagious smile.

The most important things to Rita were her faith, family, and friends. She found endless joy in teaching, gardening, music, and baking as well. Baking was her love language. Anyone who called Rita a friend was truly blessed. She put others before herself and was always there to lend a helping hand and say a prayer. Her encouragement to others was unmatched. Towards the end of her life, those who came to visit often left feeling uplifted and inspired by her strength and faith.

Rita will be dearly missed but more importantly, fondly remembered because of the woman she was. A woman who profoundly loved her Savior, family and friends. A woman who is deeply loved by so many. His master replied ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21

She is survived by her four daughters: Lorelei (Nick) Frank of Chippewa Falls, Sara Stolt of Eau Claire, Jamie Stolt of Chippewa Falls, and Janelle (Jacob) Harder of Colfax; 8 grandchildren: Lindsay (Dennis) Lu, Eden Ernster, Hailee and Lilly Nordlof, Ella, Hans, Alice and Jude Harder; brother: Patrick (Dorothy) Morning of Elk Mound; sisters: Bonnie (Gary “Gunner”) Gravunder of Bloomer and Jenny (Rick) Starck of Cadott; special cousins: Joanne Lien and Arnie (Julie) Miller along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents: John and Babe; husband: Bubba in 2023; brothers: John Jr. and Michael Morning; special cousin: Ed Lien; and grandson Henry Harder.

Visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 PM, on Monday, July 13, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bloomer, WI. A Memorial Service will begin at 5:00 PM, on Monday at the church. Burial will be in the Bloomer Cemetery following the service. Everyone is also invited for a picnic supper following the burial at the 9th Ave. North Park, Red Pavilion in Bloomer. Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer is assisting the family with arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.olsonfuneralhomebloomer.com