Rita Mary Wempe Robke, 86, of Seneca, peacefully passed away on April 26, 2026, at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital following a brief illness, surrounded by the love of her family.

Rita was born on August 7, 1939, in Seneca, the daughter of Art and Katherine (Quinlan) Wempe. She attended Sts. Peter and Paul School and graduated with the Class of 1957. That same summer, Rita began working at the Citizen State Bank in Seneca, where she remained until May of 1960.

On February 27, 1960, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Joe Robke, at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work on their farm south of Seneca, where they lovingly raised their four children: Tom, Jerry, Bob, and Joan.

Rita was the heart of her home, dedicating herself to her family while also working alongside Joe on the farm. Her nurturing spirit and strong work ethic carried into her years at Nemaha Valley Elementary School, where she began working in 1983. For two decades, she was a familiar and caring presence to students and staff alike, retiring in 2003. Never one to sit still for long, Rita continued her service to others at the Mission Center in Seneca, where she later became Coordinator in 2013.

A woman of deep faith, Rita was a devoted member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and the Altar Society. Her faith guided her life and was reflected in her kindness, generosity, and quiet strength. Above all, Rita treasured her family. She found her greatest joy in attending the activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always cheering them on and celebrating their accomplishments. Her love for them was constant, unconditional, and deeply felt.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Donald and Steve Wempe; and her brother-in-law, Kenny Meyer.

Rita leaves behind a legacy of love in her husband of 66 years, Joe; her children, Tom (Lesa), Jerry (Jill), Bob (Krista), and Joan (Bart) Kuhlmann; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Alice Meyer, Janice (Frank) Kuckelman, Diane (Dennis) Murphy, Sue (Cyril) Steinlage, Dan (JoAnn) Wempe, and Mary (Jim) Weeks; as well as her sister-in-law, Chris (Steve) Wempe. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Lauer Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, followed by burial in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Team Schnak or Coins for a Cause, sent in care of the family. To share condolences or for more information, please visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com.