Obituary: Rita M. Heraly

Rita M. Heraly, age 85, of Brillion, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, October 7, 2026, the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary, at Garrow Villa surrounded by her family.

Rita was born on March 9, 1941 in Green Bay, daughter of the late Edward & Julia (Burke) Urban.  She was a graduate of Casco High School, class of 1959.  She went on to further her education in Minnesota, earning a degree as a Medical Assistant.  On September 2, 1961, Rita married Eldred “Al” Heraly at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Casco.  He preceded her in death on July 14, 1993.  The couple moved from Casco to Green Bay, and then finally settled in Brillion.  Throughout that time, Rita worked for Dr. Guthrie in Green Bay, for Brown County Mental Health Center, stayed at home with the couples’ children for a time, and then worked at O’Connor Pharmacy and Manitowoc Pharmacy.  She was also the bookkeeper for Heraly Hauling until Al passed away.  Rita’s faith was the foundation of her life. Shortly after marriage Rita and Al started a Youth Group at Holy Trinity and later at St. Phillip in Green Bay.  She taught RCIA and Faith Formation classes at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion where she also served as the Pastoral Minister for many years. Rita prayed the Rosary every day.  Throughout the years, she wrote down the names of the people she prayed for as she said the Rosary.  The lists were long and when she took a rest, she trusted her Guardian Angels would finish for her.  Rita had a special gift of making everyone feel welcomed and included.  She always found time for people, whether it was praying for them or spending time with them.  But above all, she loved Al, she loved her children, and she loved and cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was their North Star, their safe space and would do anything for them. 

Rita is survived by her children and spouses: Steve (Kim), Tom (Terri Flynn), Kathy (Dale) Meetz, Paul (Danielle), and Suzanne (Don) Bluhm; grandchildren: Matthew (Stephanie Rougvie), Daniel (Teresa), Thomas (Amy Gelle Heraly), Kurtis (Jacquelyn), Kristine (Jamison) Princl, Alex (girlfriend: Mariana), Ariel (boyfriend: Conner), Marissa (boyfriend: Jonathan), Brianna (Tyler) Pachal, Hunter (fiancee’ Jasmine); Special family friends: Tawni Polchow and Mark (Jodi) Huebner; great-grandchildren: James, Hazel, Scottie, Ryleigh, Carson, Eva, Savannah, Harper, Isla, Nash, and Laikyn; one sister: Nancy Vande Yacht; one brother and sister-in-law: Joe (Cathy) Urban; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law: Hank (Doris) Heraly and JoAnn Heraly; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Al; one daughter: Mary; her parents, Ed & Julia; in-laws: Don Vande Yacht, Leroy (Jane), Elroy (Ann), Lloyd (Rita), Carl (Mary Ann), Elaine (Irvin) Dart; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Henry & Josephine (Gillis) Heraly; and other relatives.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion.  Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Tom Long and Rev. Matt Colle.  Burial will be in Holy Family Church Cemetery.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Pielhop Funeral Home, 215 S. Main St., Brillion on Wednesday, October 14 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  A Prayer Service will conclude the visitation.  The visitation will continue on Thursday morning at Holy Family Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated in Rita’s name.

Rita’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Garrow Villa for all of the things they did for her when she lived there.  They also want to extend a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice for their care and compassion not only for Rita, but also for all they did for all of us. 

Online condolences may be made www.pielhop.com

The Heraly Family has chosen Pielhop Funeral Homes and Cremation Care Centers to honor Rita’s Legacy of Life.