Rita Ziehl

Rita Ziehl, 75, of Raymond, died Wednesday, March 18 in Raymond. Her memorial service will be 6:00 pm, Wednesday, March 25 at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar.

Rita Ann Ziehl was born on October 7, 1950, in Watertown, Minnesota, to Robert and Janet (Johnson) Hansen. She spent her early years in Minneapolis, where she attended elementary school, before moving to Willmar and graduating from Willmar High School in 1968.

On November 2, 1968, Rita married Robert Merlin Sr. in Raymond, and together they made their home there. She devoted many years to raising her children, a role she deeply valued. Later, she worked at Willmar Poultry for many years.

Rita found joy in knitting, crocheting, sewing, tending to flowers, and scrapbooking. She especially loved spending time at the lake with her family and cherished every moment with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Merlin Sr.; her children, Rodney (Amy) Ziehl and Rick (Alana) Ziehl; her grandchildren, Nicholas, Logan, Ethan, Garrett, Madison, Gabe, Esteban, Ella, and Brittany; nine great-grandchildren; and her brothers, Gary Hansen and Todd Hansen.

Rita was preceded in death by her son, Robert Merlin Jr.; her parents, Robert and Janet; and her brother, Neil Hansen.

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