Rita Kohnke

Kohnke, Rita H. of Climax Rita Hanna Kohnke, age 73, went home to be with her Lord on May 4, 2017. Rita was born October 12, 1943 in Bremerhaven, Germany and immigrated to the United States after completing her Bachelor's degree in teaching. On July 30, 1966, she was united in marriage to Walter E. Kohnke, Jr. For many years, she taught school at Hackett High School and later worked for Western Michigan University. Rita was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church and had been active in many capacities including teaching bible school. She was an excellent seamstress who enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting. She also loved to read and enjoyed arts. Family was a very important part of her life as she was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Surviving in addition to her husband Walter are her son Michael Kohnke, her daughter-in-law Lisa Schwabe, and her granddaughter Luisa Kohnke all of California; her sister Ingrid Lambrecht of Germany and two sister-in-laws Clara (James) Ogren and Donna (Edward) Gossett. In accordance with Rita's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00am Thursday, May 11th at Zion Lutheran Church (2122 Bronson Blvd.) Burial will take place in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorials in Rita's memory may be directed to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Michigan. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes. Please visit Rita's personalized guest book at www.langelands.com