Rita Ann LaFond, age 79, of 1502 Kuhl Street, Manitowoc, entered eternal life with her daughters by her side on Sunday morning, June 12, 2011, at the family residence. Rita was born on May 15, 1932, in Manitowoc. She was the daughter of the late Quirin and Irma Kerscher Delsman. Rita attended Lincoln High School and graduated with the Class of 1950. She continued her education at Iowa State University from 1950 to 1954, where she received her bachelor's degree in home economics. Rita belonged to the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.
She was employed with the Manitowoc Public School system for 26 years, retiring as the head of the home economics department. Rita married James J. LaFond on Dec. 27, 1955, in Manitowoc. He preceded her in death on Nov. 12, 2000. Rita was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, former member of the Christian Women of Holy Innocents, eucharist minister for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, American Home Economics Association, Manitowoc County Professional Home Economics Association, and P.E.O. Chaper J. She also was a longtime poll worker and chairperson for local and county elections.
She is survived by two daughters: Michele Marie LaFond and her fiance, Glenn Czechanski, Manitowoc; Suzanne (Kevin) Hedican, Aurora, Colo.; two grandsons: Gavin Hedican and Quinn Hedican; one sister: Bernice Meany, Manitowoc; nieces and nephews, along with other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Quirin and Irma Delsman; husband: James LaFond; one son: Michael James LaFond; two brothers: Roman and Paul Delsman.