Rita Haidle

Rita Jane Haidle, age 82, of Wadena, Minnesota passed away peacefully on July 19th, 2026 at Saint Cloud Hospital with her daughters and close friends by her side after suffering a recent stroke.

Rita was born on September 3rd, 1943 in Bertha, Minnesota to Dell and Irene (Hoosier) Bail and grew up in Verndale, Minnesota. Rita and Curtis married in Vancouver, Washington and enjoyed 45 years together before his untimely passing in 2005. They were blessed with three wonderful daughters, seven grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. 

Rita worked for Benson Optical for many years followed by Midwest Garment and finished her employment career at Orton’s Convenient store in Staples where she retired from in 2011. 

She enjoyed several types of card games and games in general (Yahtzee being a family favorite). Her hobbies also included crosswords, painting, crocheting, knitting, sewing, cooking, and camping. She had the ability to pick up any art or craft she put her mind to. In her later years, she especially treasured spending time with family and friends. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis; two daughters, Dawn and Velda Sue; and her five brothers, Wayne, Otho, Mike, John, and Francis.

She is survived by her daughters, Delana (Michael) Krause of Mitchell, SD, Dori (Dave) Fremstad of Wayne, NE and son-in-law Brian Bleess of Catonsville, MD; grandchildren Jacob Bleess, Aaron (Lindsey) Krause, Joel (Brittany) Krause, Emma (Andrew) Stroup, Mary (Cole) DeBoer, Josh (Whitney) Fremstad, Sarah (Matthew) Keller; 9 great grandchildren; special friend Leonard Blume; many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

A celebration of Rita’s life will be on July 23rd, 2026. The visitation is at 12:30 and service at 1:30 pm at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, Minnesota.

Rita will be greatly missed and forever remembered by her friends and family. May she rest in peace.