Rita M. (Wagner) Sermersheim, 80, of Huntingburg, died peacefully in the arms of her husband and children Monday night, July 14, 2025, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville. She was born November 18, 1944, to Albert W. and Caroline O. (Schmitt) Wagner in Huntingburg, Indiana. She was raised on the family farm and she loved it dearly.
Rita was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Huntingburg, and the St. Mary’s Ladies Sodality.She served as a Eucharistic Minister, Choir Member, Cantor, and religion teacher many years ago. She was a member of the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus in Owensboro, KY, engaging in prayer, meditation and weekly adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Rita was a lifelong quilter and she donated many quilts to St. Mary’s Catholic Church over the years for their Church Picnic raffles. She worked tirelessly to assist those in need, and she assisted in repairing broken and distressed rosaries for others. Rita was inducted as a member of the Brute Society for the Diocese of Evansville in November 2022 in recognition of her lifelong commitment to stewardship.Her stewardship continues even in death – she is an organ donor.
Rita fell and hit her head Thursday morning causing a severe brain bleed. Doctors advised that she would not make it through the night. However, Friday morning came with a gift from God – perhaps a true Miracle. Rita’s cognitive abilities and motor skills returned almost fully for a 24 hour period which shocked the doctors and provided her an incredible opportunity to visit with many of her family members, to pray with them, and to receive blessings from her Priest, Fr. Biju Thomas of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Saturday morning came and brain surgery was required to give her the best chance of recovery. Although significant and seemingly successful medical efforts were made to keep her with us just a little longer, Jesus had different plans. It was time for her to return to His heavenly kingdom to enjoy His company and the company of family members who went ahead of her.
Rita is survived by her loving husband, Lawrence E. Sermersheim (aka, Larry) of Huntingburg; her children: Keith A. (Connie) of Evansville, and Katherine L. (aka, “Katie”) of West Lafayette; six grandchildren: Kyle A. (Kira) of Omaha, NE, Luke A. (Jill) of Folsomville, Benjamin A. (Isabel) of Chicago, Maria C. of South Bend, Jacob A. of Evansville, and Christopher A. of Evansville; four great grandchildren: Reagan and Mason of Folsomville, and Berklee, and Ryder of Omaha; eight siblings; Bill (Mary) Wagner of Escondido, California, John (Linda) Wagner of San Diego, California, Dave (Mona) Wagner of Huntingburg, Susan (Dale) Polen of Huntingburg, Alice (Mike) Giesler of Velpen, Ralph (Polly) Wagner of Ferdinand, Dan (Pam) Wagner of Ireland, and Kenneth (Grace) Wagner of Dale; numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends; and her puppy dog, “Tootles.”She was preceded in death by two children: Kevin J. and Kimberly S.; her parents:Albert and Caroline Wagner;and two siblings: Mary Wagner Stuart and Christopher Wagner. Rita touched the lives of many. We were all blessed to know her and we will miss her greatly.
A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 21, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Huntingburg with burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Visitation for friends and relatives will be at Nass& Son Funeral Home in Huntingburg from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., on Sunday, July 20, 2025. A parish rosary and Ladies Sodality prayer vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home. The family requests memorial donations to be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Huntingburg or the Dubois County Humane Society. Condolences may be shared online at www.nassandson.com.
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