Rita A. Sheldon

Rita A. Sheldon

Sept. 13, 1926 – Jan. 12, 2019

Rita A. Sheldon was born Sept. 13, 1926, in Omaha to James Rezek, Sr. and Agnes (Vampola) Rezek and passed away in Bellevue on Jan. 12, 2019, at the age of 92 years, 3 months and 30 days. Rita grew up in Omaha where she attended Sts. Peter and Paul Parish School and later Notre Dame High School, graduating with the class of 1943. She was united in marriage to Irwin W. Sheldon on May 10, 1947, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. They had five children, James, Michael, Kathleen, Jeanne and Robert. 

Rita was actively involved in the Parish Council, PTO, Council of Catholic Women and the Omaha Deanery. She served on the Metro Tech Community College Board of Governors and the Omaha Personnel Board. In later 1979, they moved to the family farm in Seward County. They purchased Jackson’s Lounge in Garland and renamed it Sheldon’s Place. Irwin passed away unexpectedly shortly after.

Rita loved farming and the country life. She enjoyed entertaining and playing pitch and pinochle. She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, where she taught CCD. Rita also was involved with the Seward County Zoning Board. She had a love for cooking, sewing, Husker football and camping in the mountains. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Irwin; son, Robert; infant brother; brother, James Rezek; and great-grandson, Ethan Andersen. 

Rita is survived by her children, James and Kathryn Sheldon of Bee, Michael and Rose Sheldon of LaVista, Kathleen Vencalek of Bellevue and Jeanne and Ben Oborny of Garland; 11 grandchildren, Mike and Jocelyn Sheldon, Matthew Sheldon, Craig Sheldon, Andrew Sheldon, Jason Vencalek, Brian and Emi Vencalek, David and Cat Vencalek, Jennifer and Matthew Andersen, Jarrod Oborny, Jodi and Brock Wilke and Jordan Oborny; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home in Seward and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Seward. A rosary service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at the church, with Monsignor Robert Tucker as celebrant. A graveside service and interment will be in Assumption Catholic Cemetery near Dwight. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sheldon family for future designation. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.