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Rita Rae Olsen

October 12, 1941 - April 10, 2026
Visitation
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Sunday 5/3, 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Service
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Sunday 5/3, 3:00 pm
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Rita Rae Olsen (Wittenberg)

October 12, 1941 – April 10th, 2026

Rita Rae Olsen, age 84, passed away peacefully leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and unforgettable memories. Born on October 12, 1941 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Rita lived a full and vibrant life centered around family and friendship. At the age of 18 she moved to Milwaukee where she built her life and raised her family.

Rita was the beloved sister of Nancy Kenyon and was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Beverly, and sisters Lee, Donna and Pidge. She was a devoted mother to her five children; Derrick Olsen, Doug (Vicki) Olsen, Wendy (Dewane) Dye, Kelly (Mike) Timmers and Kathryn (Sam) Kaiser. Proud and loving grandmother to thirteen grandchildren and a great grandmother to four great grandchildren.

Known to many as simply “mom,” Rita had a heart big enough for everyone. She owned and operated the bar Hearts, where she built lifelong friendships and created a welcoming space for all who walked through the door. Later in life she opened Rita Rae’s, continuing her tradition of bringing people together and making them feel like family.

Rita had a quick wit and a smart remark that could make anyone laugh. She loved sharing stories, sitting around with friends and family and being the center of it all. She also loved to play cards, a pastime that brought her even more laughter, friendly competition and time spent with those she loved. Her home was always filled with warmth – and often smelled of freshly baked cookies or rolls. She never let a visit go without making sure there were juice boxes and treats ready for her grandchildren.

Rita’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched, the family she adored, and the memories that will be treasured for ever.

A life well-lived, a love well-shared – Rita Rae will never be forgotten.

Gathering will take place on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin. Visitation from 1:00 PM – 2:45 PM with a service to begin at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Close-up portrait of a smiling middle-aged woman with short brown hair, blue eyes, and a dark top with a necklace.
A group of eight adults gathered at a bar, smiling and posing for the photo with drinks on the counter, neon lights in the background.
Older woman holding a small baby while a teenage girl sits beside them with a newborn wrapped in a blue striped blanket on her lap and arms nearby.
Smiling older woman with short brown hair beside a girl in a red sweater, Christmas tree and warm interior in the background.
Woman in a colorful swimsuit standing in a sunny blue pool near inflatable toys and a child with orange arm floaties nearby.
Bride in a strapless white wedding dress holding a pink bouquet, smiling while a guest in a black dress kisses her cheek outdoors.
Graduate in black gown with red trim and mortarboard posing with a smiling woman in a yellow top outside a campus-style building. Crest on gown visible.
Group of smiling women gathered around a bar counter in a cozy venue, with drinks and a beer bottle on the counter, warm lighting, and framed items on the wall in the background.
Two women, a younger girl in red and an older woman in a bright yellow top, smile as they hug in a casual restaurant; a yellow 'Fat Squirrel Crossing' sign is on a wooden pillar behind them.
Three generations posing together: an elderly woman flanked by two smiling young girls indoors. The girl on the left wears a gray t-shirt and bright bracelets; the girl on the right wears a pink striped dress and pink leggings.
Five women pose beside a chalkboard sign advertising farm-to-table food, wine, and Wisconsin craft beer outside a winery.
Two smiling women posing outdoors with their arms around each other; one older in a red-striped top and white pants, the other younger in a white dress.
Three generations posing together at an outdoor patio, smiling at the camera with a brick house in the background.
Two women stand in front of a tall saguaro cactus under a bright blue sky.
Woman and a boy on a couch opening a wrapped gift together during a casual gathering, warm lamp light in the background.
Two women sit close together on a stone ledge, smiling; older woman in black and younger woman in teal top with a patterned skirt, with a fountain in the background.
Family of five posing together indoors, smiling for a group photo near a fountain and plants.
Graduate in blue cap and gown posing with four women outdoors in a park-like yard, celebrating on graduation day.
Two older women sit at an outdoor deck table with drinks, smiling at the camera as evening light fades behind them.
Two people in a kitchen fist-bumping and smiling at each other.
Two women close together, smiling at the camera at a crowded outdoor event; one wears a tan hat with sunglasses on it.
Two smiling women standing on a subway platform near a pillar with a Rector Street sign at night, carrying bags and jackets.
Four women posing and smiling on a rooftop with the Manhattan skyline and the Empire State Building in the background.
Group of five adults posing together and smiling in a warm, wood-paneled event space.
Three adults stand together and smile in front of a stone fireplace with framed photos on the mantel.
Woman in a pink shirt sits beside a young girl with blond hair in a ponytail outdoors, both looking to the right with greenery in the background.
Group of about 16 people outdoors on a bench and grass field, smiling under leafy branches on a sunny day in a park.
Six adults standing closely together indoors, smiling, in front of a stone fireplace with framed photos and flowers in the background.
Seven adults pose together in front of a large Buddy Holly Story poster on a wall inside a venue, smiling for the photo.
Four women posing together outdoors in a garden, smiling, wearing white, black, blue, and black dresses.
Smiling man in a beige suit with a boutonniere stands beside an older woman in a maroon sweater, posing outside against a red wooden wall.
Three adults posing closely for a casual group photo, smiling at the camera; man in the middle wears a camo cap and plaid shirt, flanked by two women in black shirts with bold white text on them.
An elderly woman in a yellow knit sweater holding a newborn baby on a bed in a cozy bedroom.
Group of six adults posing on a park bench on a sunny day, with a volleyball net and green field in the background.
Three women posing and smiling under a rustic wooden pergola in a garden setting.
Two women posing and smiling for a photo, one in a black dress and the other in a white wedding gown with a veil, indoors against wooden decor.
Group of eight people posing on a couch in matching pine-tree pajama pants, with a grandmother in a beige sweater at center, smiling.
A smiling couple embraces for a photo at a celebration, with their heads close together and the woman in a black dress.
Five women seated at a restaurant table, smiling for a group photo with drinks and napkins in front of them.
Older woman with short hair in a striped shirt cradles a newborn baby on her lap while sitting in a beige armchair at home to create a family moment.
Two women smiling for a selfie, wearing tan and blue sweatshirts with a graphic design on the front.
Older woman sitting in a wicker chair outdoors, cradling a newborn baby in her arms.
Smiling older woman in a blue sweatshirt posing with a Waukesha South volleyball player in a gym with wooden bleachers.
Two women pose on a wooden dock by the lake, wearing colorful hats and casual jackets, smiling at the camera with fall trees in the background.
Nine people stand together with arms around each other in a sunny, green garden setting, smiling at the camera.
Three women posing together in front of a snowy, windowed backdrop with wrapped Christmas gifts around them.
Two smiling seniors posing together at a wood-paneled diner counter, with snack menu and Coors Light neon sign in the background.
Group of seven adults posing indoors for a casual photo, smiling and wearing plaid shirts or jackets.
Group of women and girls posing for a photo on a sofa in a cozy living room, smiling and hugging.
Four women posing together at an outdoor restaurant table with drinks and napkins on the table.
Boy in a green shirt hugs an older woman in a red sweater, both smiling, beside candle-lit glass lanterns.
Three smiling people posing for a photo inside a casual bar, drinks in hand, TV screens visible in the background.
Group of people posing together in a sunny suburban yard, wearing yellow and light clothing, with houses and a car in the background.
Six women stand together in a row, posing for a group photo in dresses of white, floral, and dark outfits on a simple backdrop.
Group of people posing for a family photo at a dinner table in a room with a red wall and tall plant in the background.
Four smiling older women sit side by side indoors, dressed up for a gathering; one wears a pink corsage and layered necklace.
Graduate in blue cap and gown posing with her parents in a green suburban yard, smiling at the camera.
Wedding party portrait outdoors under a gazebo: bride in a white strapless gown holding a pink bouquet, groom in a black suit with a pink boutonniere, and two older adults in formal attire on either side.
Four older women standing side by side against a stone wall, smiling at the camera.
Four women gathered around a blue table, smiling at the camera in a home setting.
Four women celebrate a 21st birthday around a decorated cake on a kitchen counter, smiling at the camera.
Group of adults and children smiling while posing together in front of a red brick wall on a sidewalk.
Four women smiling together in a home kitchen, one seated in front wearing pink.
Four women standing arm in arm and smiling against a red brick wall, each with shopping bags.
Four friends posing together in a sunny park, smiles for the camera with trees and grass in the background.
Four women hug and kiss an older woman on the cheek in front of a stone fireplace decorated with autumn leaves and blue ceramics.
Two smiling older women sit at a wooden bar counter, one in a pink jacket, with a glass of beer nearby on the counter.
Older woman wearing a large sombrero sits at a glass outdoor table with drinks and tortilla chips, smiling at the camera.
A woman sits with six young girls in colorful dresses, posing together near a decorative indoor fountain in a lobby-like space by plants.
Five people (two children in front, three adults behind) posing indoors beside a lit Christmas tree with plaid ribbon decoration.
Group selfie of three friends smiling in a neon-lit bar, with a Corona Premier sign in the background, wearing sweaters and jackets.
Two elderly women smiling at the camera in a casual indoor setting, one with short brown hair wearing a rust-colored sweater and a gold necklace, the other with light blonde hair in a white fleece vest.
Two women smiling and leaning close for a selfie indoors; one wears glasses and a light gray hoodie, the other in a rust-colored top.
Old family portrait: two adults standing in back, one in a blue shirt and the other in a light patterned shirt, with several children seated in front wearing red-and-white gingham outfits.
Graduate in red cap and gown holding a diploma, posing with an older woman outdoors in a parking lot.
Two women posing together outdoors in a park, standing in front of a large tree on a grassy area by a paved path. First woman in a black dress, second in a black jacket and light pants.
Two women smiling at a bar, with beer mugs on shelves behind them and colorful flowers nearby.
Group of people of various ages posing together in a garage-like space, with a cake and snacks on a table in front.
Eight adults at a bar counter smile for the camera, drinks in hand, one person holding a bottle of Jägermeister.
Older woman in a lime-green sweater stands beside a smiling young girl in a striped dress wearing a blue graduation cap, against a stone wall background.
Three older adults sit at a kitchen island with drinks and magazines, posing for a photo in a bright home setting.
Two people sit in lawn chairs by a campfire at dusk, with trees and a lake in the background and warm firelight on their faces.
Family group wearing Halloween costumes posing together in front of a brick fireplace, smiling for a holiday photo.
A smiling older woman sits on a couch with two young children, one on each side, in a cozy living room setting.
Smiling woman cradling a baby indoors, both looking at the camera.
People posing for a photo in a bar or party setting, with drinks on the counter and festive decorations in the background.
Three people posing together indoors: a woman in the center flanked by two smiling girls on either side.
A family of four sits together on a striped sofa in a living room with framed pictures on the wall behind them.
Three people—a woman in the center flanked by two children—pose together by a window, wearing matching argyle sweaters.
Five women in matching red shirts pose with colored bowling balls in front of a yellow WWBA Riviera 1982 sign, Green Bay, a vintage bowling team photo.
Four young girls in vintage dresses sit on a bench for a photo; the girl on the far left has a bow in her hair.
A woman in a yellow top hugs a child in an orange shirt outdoors near a table of Toys and books for kids.
Close-up portrait of a smiling young girl with brown hair against a light background, facing the camera.
Family group posing in a living room in front of a brick fireplace decorated for Christmas.
Two smiling adults share a tight hug in a warm indoor setting, looking at the camera.
Group of smiling older women gathered around a table with drinks at a casual get-together.
Smiling woman in a red blouse stands beside a man in a light T‑shirt with bold text, indoors by wood-paneled walls, both posing for a photo.
Four women pose for a cheerful outdoor group photo, with one seated in front center and three standing behind her.
Three women posing together by a large tree in a sunny park: an older woman in the center flanked by two younger women in red and purple dresses, all smiling.
Group of adults gathered around a bar table, smiling at the camera with drinks and bottles on the table in front of them.
Three women/teen posing for a photo at an indoor volleyball event, with players and a net visible in the background.
Two women sit close together on a light-blue couch, smiling at the camera outside a house.
Three friends posing for a casual photo indoors, standing close together near a doorway; left person in a light sweatshirt with a graphic, middle person in a white top, right person in a plaid jacket.
Couple dancing closely in a casual indoor gathering with pumpkins and flowers nearby.
Smiling boy holding a yellow toy tractor box next to a seated woman in a bright yellow shirt and red bag, outdoors.
Couple dancing at a casual indoor gathering; woman in brown sweater and man in a dark shirt and cap in the foreground, others seated in the background.
Five women smiling and posing for a selfie at a bar or pub.”,
Teenager in a tie-dye hoodie carries a frosted rectangular birthday cake with lit candles toward a seated woman outside on a patio, as friends gather nearby.
Three smiling women sit at a blue picnic table in a park, with a Diet Coke can in the foreground and a playground in the background.
Four women pose for a selfie, with an older woman in a peach jacket at the center smiling broadly.
Group of smiling kids and two adults posing on stone steps outdoors.
Smiling couple in formal attire walking down a dim hallway, a chandelier overhead.
Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with short light brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a dark top and a pendant necklace.
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Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services
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Judith Gauer
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Greg O’Connell
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Mark Peltonen Light a candle
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Visitation
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Map
Sunday 5/3, 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Service
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Map
Sunday 5/3, 3:00 pm
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations appreciated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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Rita Rae Olsen (Wittenberg) October 12, 1941 – April 10th, 2026 Rita Rae Olsen, age 84, passed away peacefully leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and unforgettable memories. Born on October 12, 1941 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Rita lived a full and vibrant life centered around family and friendship. At the age of 18Continue Reading

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Judith Gauer left a message on May 3, 2026:
In memory of Rita Rae Olsen, Judith Gauer lit a candle
Greg O’Connell left a message on May 3, 2026:
In memory of Rita Rae Olsen, Greg O’Connell lit a candle
Mark Peltonen left a message on May 3, 2026:
Our prayers are with you !
Gene, Sue and Stephanie Kaiser left a message on April 28, 2026:
With loving memories of Rita. Sending thoughts and prayers with love and hugs.
Serene Retreat was purchased for the family of Rita Olsen by Gene, Sue and Stephanie Kaiser. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Rita Olsen
Debi Hankel left a message on April 15, 2026:
Rita and her family were our neighbors for a number of years when I was a child. I still remember her joyous personality. My thoughts are with her family.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Brian Baker left a message on April 13, 2026:
My heart goes out to you and your family. Rita was such a wonderful woman, and I feel so lucky to have known her and share so many good memories. I’ll always cherish our shared birthday and the laughs we had over being 'birthday twins' despite our different eras. She was a beautiful soul who will never be forgotten and will always hold a place in my heart. Wishing the family comfort and strength during this difficult time. Love Brian Baker
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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