Rita Jeanne Streich, 76, of Howard Lake, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, surrounded by 13 members of her loving family while listening to the music she loved.
Born July 15, 1949, to Herman and Jeanne Painschab, Rita grew up in a lively family in Waverly with eight brothers and one sister. She was smart, funny, fiercely independent, and deeply loved by those closest to her.
On May 12, 1973, Rita married her high school sweetheart and lifelong love, Gary Streich. Together they built a home east of Howard Lake, raised their daughters, welcomed eight grandchildren, and shared 50 years of marriage before Gary’s passing in December 2023.
Rita was endlessly creative. A talented quilter, she shared her gift through The Piecemakers Quilt Shoppe, creating treasures her family and friends will cherish forever. She also loved gardening, books, crossword puzzles, and long baths spent reading library books she occasionally had to dry and iron before returning.
More than anything, Rita loved her family. Along with daughters Carrie and Jackie, Rita was grateful to reconnect later in life with her son, Michael Hall, with whom she shared a cherished relationship over the past 17 years. Her children and grandchildren were the greatest joy of her life.
Since Gary’s passing, Rita carried the heartbreak of losing her lifelong partner. Part of her final diagnosis included Takotsubo disease, known as “broken heart syndrome,” reflecting the deep love she held for Gary throughout her life.
She will be remembered for her quick wit, humor, creativity, stubborn spirit, and her endless curiosity about the world.
She is survived by her son, Michael Hall; daughters Carrie (Dusty) Dircks and Jackie (Kyle) Thompson; grandchildren Carter Westling, Tyler Hall, Cecelia and Ruby Dircks, and Zach, Grant, Owen, and Nora Thompson; siblings John Morrow, Tim (Donna), Tom (Cheryl), Terry (Joan), Teddy (Judy), Donny (Tiya), Lee (Jodi), Pat (Liz) Painschab, and Ginny (Leo) Paquette; sisters-in-law Ann Painschab and Mary Streich; in-laws Judy (Steve) Gagnon, Rick (Shelly) Streich, aunts Berni Reardon and Mary Klingelhoets, her kitty, Mocha, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Streich; parents Herman and Jeanne Painschab; brother Denny Painschab; and nephews Jason Paquette and Ryan Painschab.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held May 15, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m., with Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial of ashes at St. Mary’s Cemetery will follow the service, with lunch afterward at the church.
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