Rita L. Hagenbruch

Rita L. Hagenbruch, 69, passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at her home in Harvard, IL, surrounded by family. 
Rita was born to Quin Ryan and Ingrid Annette (Carlson) Oost on September 1, 1953. She married Joseph Frank Hagenbruch on September 3, 1978. Rita graduated from Augustana College in 1975 and began her career as a medical technologist. She worked at Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO and then at SwedishAmerican Hospital in Rockford, IL until just after her daughter was born. She was also a talented hand weaver. Rita enjoyed gifting and selling her works of art as well as teaching weaving at Sievers School of Fiber Arts in Washington Island, WI, The Fold in Marengo, IL, and demonstrating the art of handweaving for the McHenry County Historical Society. She won many awards for her weaving and wrote multiple articles for Handwoven magazine. She was also a founding member of the Woodstock Weavers Guild. In addition, she served multiple terms on the board of directors at Harvard Memorial Hospital (the name prior to Mercy Harvard Hospital). She and her family are longtime members of the congregation at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Fontana, WI and are members of St. Patrick Church of Hartland in Woodstock, IL as well. 
Rita is survived by her husband Joseph Hagenbruch, daughter Laura (Mike) Huszla of Williams Bay, WI, granddaughter Anna Huszla, siblings Linnea (Joel) Kooistra of Woodstock, IL, Donald (Cindy) Oost of Jefferson, TX, David (Jeanne) Oost of Neenah, WI, and several nieces and nephews. 
She is preceded in death by her parents Quin and Ingrid Oost, and brother Dennis Oost. 
Rita was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. What people remember most about Rita was her kind and gentle nature. Her family and friends will miss her tremendously.
A funeral visitation is scheduled for 10 am on Wed. January 11, 2023, with a service to follow at 11 am at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 137 Dewey Ave. Fontana, WI 53125. Fr. Mark Danczyk will officiate.  Interment will be at St. Patrick of Hartland Cemetery. 
Memorials in Rita's name can be made to Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), and First Way Life Center in Johnsburg, IL. 
Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.saundersmcfarlin.net 
Call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral for more info at 815-943-5400.

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