Rita Ann (Westen) Haedicke

Rita Ann Haedicke, 62, of East Peoria, IL went home to Heaven at 8:21 pm on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL.  She was born on February 1, 1960 in Lincoln, IL to Christian E. and Anna C. (Kutz) Westen.

She graduated from Hartem High School in 1978 in Hartsburg, Illinois before attending nursing school at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, graduating in 1981.  She married Larry W. Haedicke on September 12, 1981 in Emden, IL.

Together, Larry and Rita built their home in Germantown Hills and raised a family of two sons, Austin (1988) and Travis (1989).  Rita loved being involved in her children's lives and extracurricular activities.  It was a joy for her to extend "motherhood" and the home's kitchen and couches to any visiting family and friends.

Rita worked at St. Francis Medical Center for 40 years ensuring the care of expecting mothers and healthy babies before retiring on February 4, 2022; accumulating a BSN and MSN and multiple nursing awards and honors.  She felt so blessed to be a part of the gift of life and loved every day that work allowed her to share that gift.

Rita was a member of St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church in rural Metamora where she was adamantly engaged in the church community.  Rita was a strong believer in her faith insisting on spreading a smile, kindness, and good faith to everyone she met.  She loved crocheting, camping, cooking, car shows with her husband, and competing in the Heart of Illinois Fair; but her biggest love was her family and friends.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, brother Dennis Westen, sister Gloria (Westen) Kelroy, and brother-in-law Pat Haedicke.  Surviving are her husband, Larry of East Peoria; sons Austin Haedicke of Villa Rica, GA and Travis Haedicke of East Peoria, Illinois; brothers Larry (Joyce) Westen of Emden, Illinois and Clarke (Tammy) Westen of Kenny, Illinois; brother-in-law Tom Kelroy (wife, Gloria); nieces and nephews (Bridget, Andy, Amanda, Kristen, Brittany, Brandy, Shane, Jo Ellen); mother-in-law Hilda, brother-in-law Mike, and sister-in-law Bonnie (Ed) Estes.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Eric Bolek officiating.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until time of mass on Wednesday at the church.  Burial will be in the Haedicke Family Cemetery in East Peoria, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Haedicke Family Cemetery or to a charity of the donor's choice.  Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.