Rita E. Broderick, 93, Fremont, Nebraska, formerly of Seneca, Kansas died

November 16, 2012 at a nursing home in Fremont.

RITA EILEEN KOEHLER BRODERICK was born in Seneca, Kansas, July 28,

1919, to John and Helen Heideman Koehler. As the eldest daughter growing up

on the Koehler Farm, she learned the value of hard work, love of family and a life

guided by her Catholic faith. She attended Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School

graduating as salutatorian of her senior class in 1933 and went on to earn her

nursing degree from St. Margaret’s Hospital in Kansas City.

While working as a registered nurse in Kansas City, her sister Esther introduced

Rita to Gerald Broderick. “We fell in love the moment we met.”, she would later

say. The couple married in Jan 6, 1942 at Sts. Peter and Pauls church in Seneca

and Gerald’s career as a pharmacist took them to Texas, where they lived in San

Antonio, Victoria and Corpus Christi. Three children were born to the couple,

Mary Lynne, Helen Kay (Katy) and Thomas Edward. While living in Corpus

Christi, Gerald died unexpectedly in 1975.

Rita worked as an RN in a variety of medical fields, but felt her most rewarding

experience was as a public health nurse, for the State of Texas, a career she

retired from in 1983. Following retirement, Rita returned to her home town of

Seneca to be close to family.

Rita devoutly practiced her Catholic faith as exemplified by her devotion to

the Mass, the Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration. She was an active member of

each parish to which she was associated. She was most proud of her work as

a volunteer at Sts. Peter and Paul Mission Center, instructor of CCD religious

education, and Eucharistic Minister. Throughout her life, Rita had a special

devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. A highlight of her life was a visit to

Medjugorje, the site of the apparitions of Mary Queen of Peace.

Rita was a skilled oil painter and enjoyed gardening, reading, playing bridge,

crocheting and visiting with her family. In her later years, Rita was affectionately

called “Great” by the great-grandchildren who loved visiting her, since “Great”

always had some treat to share. Beloved by her brothers, sisters, children,

grandchildren and great-grandchildren “Great” will be fondly remembered and

sadly missed.

Rita was preceded in death by her cherished husband Gerald who died March

5, 1975 and her greatly loved brother Col. Leonard Koehler. Surviving her are

sisters Esther Proffitt of Seneca, Mary Helen Lear of Hiawatha and Barbara

Buckley Prairie Village, Kansas, brothers Jim Koehler of Seneca, Abbot Ralph

Koehler, OSB of Atchison, and Ron Koehler of Kansas City, Missouri, her

children Lynne Hamele of Omaha, Nebraska, Katy and Ken McElroy of Austin

Texas and Tom and Debra Broderick of Austin, Texas, seven grand children, and

four great-grandchildren. 

The rosaries will be prayed 2 & 7 P.M. Monday at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Mass of Christian burial will be offered 11:00 A.M., Tuesday November 20, 2012

at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict.

In lieu of flowers, Rita requested that donations be made to the Mission Center,

Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 411 Pioneer St., Seneca, Kansas 66538 or to the charity of your choice.

To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .