Rita Diane Krusemark was born October 3, 1944 at Pratt, Kansas, and died December 21, 2023 at her home in Laramie, Wyoming. Her longtime friend and companion, Barry Gasdek was with her when she passed. She is survived by her brothers, Donald, Kenneth and David and many nieces and nephews. Her parents were Raymond Krusemark and Lillian (Narjes) Krusemark, both deceased.
Rita grew up on her parent’s farm at Pratt, attended St. Paul Lutheran Day School and Pratt High School where she was Co-Valedictorian. She received her Master’s degree in Education from the University of Kansas. She taught elementary students in the Kansas City, Kansas school district. She retired and moved to Laramie where she and Barry remodeled a century’s old farm house to rent out rooms to students attending the University of Wyoming.
Rita’s joy was exploring the wonders of this world and travelled extensively learning about different cultures and life styles. She loved the outdoors and nature. She and Barry climbed Mt. Rainier and spent three days on the mountain in 1990. She almost always had a dog as a companion and would talk to them in Mandarin Chinese, which was a minor of hers in college. Weekends were often spent hiking in the Snowy Range mountains with Barry and her dogs. Rita enjoyed returning to the farm at Pratt, especially during harvest, so she could help run the combine and do other chores. Rita was an accomplished pianist and organist. She enjoyed playing for her home church and the massive Skinner pipe organ at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Laramie. Barry is a decorated veteran and has been very active in veteran affairs in Wyoming and nationally. Rita enjoyed accompanying Barry to many of his occasions. She especially enjoyed the Governor’s Balls and loved meeting and visiting with every Wyoming governor since 1990. Rita deeply cared for and loved her family and friends.
Services will be held in Pratt, Kansas, on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 2:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church with burial to follow.
Barry so sorry for your loss. Feel free to reach out if you need an old soldier to talk with. Lion Lew Lyon
I remember Rita with great fondness. She was my favorite substitute teacher when I taught in the district. She cared for the students, treated them and me with kindness, and always made sure the lessons were completed. She was a great support when I took time off to search for a nursing home for my mother. She understood the daunting task, and made sure I could leave without worry. My condolences to her loved ones.
Read in today's Boomerang of the passing of my longtime friend, Rita. She was a wonderful human being. I always enjoyed when she substituted for me over the years. I also loved to hear her play the organ st St. Matthew's Episcopal Cathedral. She was truly a kind and gentle human being. My condolences to Barry who I got to know over the years and to her brothers. Rest in Eternal Peace dear friend. Dan
I had the pleasure of visiting with Rita and Barry over the course of many years. She was welcoming and kind and always had some special story, knowledge, or thoughtful gift for me when we saw each other. I really appreciated that Rita cared about the people in her life and showed it. She was like family to me and I'm grateful for having known her.