Rita Kloewer

Rita Caroline Kloewer was born the fourth of eleven children on September 1, 1932, to Peter and Frances (Gross) Mumm in Earling, Iowa. She was baptized, confirmed, and received her education at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa, graduating with the Class of 1950.

On May 1, 1956, she was united in marriage to James Michael Kloewer at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Together, they made their home in Panama and were blessed with six children: Debra, Cynthia, Daniel, Dean, William, and Ramona. Rita became a devoted member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama. She was very active with serving on the parish council and rosary society. After she and Jim purchased Panama Transfer, she took on the role of secretary and worked there faithfully for many years. She also served her community as the city clerk for several years.

For more than 68 years, she was a dedicated member of the American Legion Auxiliary, serving as treasurer for over 20 of those years. After retiring, she remained active by volunteering with her parish community. As a member of the sewing circle, she lovingly created many quilts as gifts to celebrate the weddings and births of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Traveling with her husband and children during their early years was a joy, and later she enjoyed trips with Jim and his sisters and brother-in-law to visit various wineries in several states. Above all, being a mother was the most important part of her life, and she deeply treasured the memories she made with her 22 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, especially those “grandkid dinners.”

Rita passed away surrounded by family at her home in Panama on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the age of 93 years and 19 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Debra Mary Puhl; siblings: Austin, Ivo, Charles, Francis Mumm and Marie Blum; and many siblings-in-law.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Kloewer of Panama; children: Cindy (Joe) Connolly of Papillion, Nebraska, Daniel (Carol Stessman) Kloewer of Omaha, Nebraska, Dean (Colleen) Kloewer of Panama, William (Janet) Kloewer of Johnston and Mona (Mark) Crall of Panama; son-in-law, Nick Puhl of Le Mars; 22 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; siblings: Joan Sondag of Harlan, Jerome “Willie” (Shirley) Mumm of Harlan, Bernice (Gene) Stoltz of Omaha, Nebraska, Ray (Mary) Mumm of Ute and Bob Mumm of Gilman; siblings-in-law: Verla Mumm and Marilyn Mumm both of Dunlap, Gary Clark of Gibbons, Nebraska, Charlet Connelly of Tucson, Arizona, Edna (Keith) Mallonee of Foley, Alabama, Donna Schwery of Panama, Mary (Ken) Bell of Clark, South Dakota; many nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

A rosary will be prayed privately with the family. Visitation with family and friends will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at St. Mary’s Parish Center in Panama. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama. Interment will follow in the Washington Township Cemetery near Panama. Memorials may be directed to Shelby County Catholic Schools or St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Parish in Panama.