Mrs. Konradt worked in the bindery department at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL, for 17 years before her retirement. Throughout her life, Rita was dedicated to her family. With such a large family and little time to spare, she loved to make large family meals. She enjoyed baking and decorating wedding, birthday and special occasion cakes. If the occasion called for it, she made a cake for it.
Her creativity didn’t stop with cake decorating. She was a self-taught seamstress, making clothes for herself, her daughters, and many of her grandchildren. She also loved to crochet blankets and scarves and in recent years, plastic canvas was her craft of choice. Rita would start in January and have a special plastic canvas creation for everyone by Christmas.
She was a member of St. Peter’s Cathedral, Belleville, IL, involved in many groups at the church, and she was and a member of the Cathedral Mother’s Club for 26 years. Rita was a member of the Catholic Knights and Ladies of Illinois.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Stanley C. Konradt, whom she married on October 12, 1949 at St. Peter’s Cathedral, and who died on June 13, 2004; her parents, Joseph R. and Sophie, nee Reeb, Haas; a brother, Raymond Haas; a sister-in-law, Bernice Haas; and a son-in-law, Terry Schaefer.
Surviving are her children, Rita Ann Schaefer of Belleville, IL,
James Konradt of Belleville, IL,
Thomas (Mary) Konradt of Belleville, IL,
Steve Konradt (Terri Cumbow) of Belleville, IL,
Mary (Marty) Done of Belleville, IL,
Richard (Elaine) Konradt of Belleville, IL,
Michael Konradt of Belleville, IL,
and Timothy Konradt of Caseyville, IL;
21 grandchildren; Jennifer (Robert) Kutsch, Amelia (Michael) Chiaverini,
Nicole (Jeffrey) Jensen, Kimberly (Joshua) Schwartzkopf,
Amanda (Cameron) Blanchard, Nathaniel Schaefer (Rachel Hainline),
Thomas C. Konradt (Erika Schramck), David (Amanda) Konradt,
Joseph Konradt, Jessica Konradt, Sophia Konradt,
Justin (Katie) Done, Erin (Chris) Hoover, Melinda Done (Kieran Rowley),
Richard Konradt Jr., Matthew Konradt, Christopher Konradt,
Jacqueline Konradt, Antonio Konradt, Elena Konradt, and Catalena Konradt;
16 great-grandchildren, Kayla Kutsch,
Duncan and Donovan Chiaverini,
Calvin and Devon Jensen, Peter “PJ” Schwartzkopf,
Heston, Natalie, Gabriel, Andrew and Elliot Blanchard,
Adelaide Schaefer,
Danielle and Dominic Konradt,
and Alyssa and Brooke Hoover;
two great-great-grandchildren, Kayden and Lily Kutsch;
a sister-in-law, Ruby Konradt;
special nephew, Joseph (Janis) Haas;
and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Cathedral or to Cathedral Grade School. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2015, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral procession will leave at 9:45 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2015, for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be, at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. John Myler and Msgr. James Buerster concelebrating. Burial will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
Condolences Left For Rita Konradt
To Dick and Elaine,
We send our sincere condolences at the passing of Dick’s mother, Rita. Will never forget the many get-togethers between the Weisserts and Wachtels.
Sincerely, Les and Marie Weissert
Les Weissert, Freeburg, Illinois, 62243
Joe & Millie Gerling wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Rita Konradt. Joe worked many years at Eagle Foundry with Stanley.
Joseph & Mildred Gerling, Belleville, Illinois, 62221-6201
Soph and family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. She was always such a special person. I remember how she loved her family and church so much. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as always. I am here if you need me.
Cindy McFadden, greenville, Illinois, 62246
Konradt Family
Please except our sincere sympathy on the loss of your mother. You will have our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.
Susan (Thompson) Davis & John Davis, Belleville, Ill, 62226
Dear Konradt Family:
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your mother. My mom always mentioned how she would see Jim and Mrs. K at Cathedral on Sundays, and so I know how close all of you were to her, and how important her faith was to her. Please let that same faith support you-all in this time of sadness.
Jim, you supported me upon the death of my father, and I will always remember that. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike Coggeshall, Clemson, SC, 29631