Madison - Rita Marie Frank, age 96, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2021 at her residence at Oak Park Place in Madison. Rita was born on April 2, 1925 in Mayville, Wis., the daughter of Bertrum and Angeline (Guiliani) Ravanelli. She graduated from Mayville High School.

Rita married the love of her life, Gordon Frank, on June 14, 1947, in Brown Deer, Wis.  She worked for many years at Manchester's Department Store.  She was a longtime member of several Catholic churches, including St. Bernard's, St. Peter's, and St. Mary of the Lake. She was also a former Senior Vice Commander of the DAV Aux. Togsted-Glenn #2.

Family and Faith meant everything to our Mom, and she showed her love for us in everything she did.  Cooking, cleaning and caring for her children and grandchildren was her passion.  She always made birthdays and holidays special occasions with incredible meals and desserts.  Mom's cooking skills had no bounds and included everything from oxtail and split pea soups to her luscious cherry berry on a cloud and poppy seed torte.  Saturday mornings were greeted with homemade bread and jellies, and meals often included her canned pickles and fruits. Mom always made sure family was well fed and outfitted in clean clothes including dresses she had made for the girls.  Mom loved babies, and babies loved Mom.  Nothing lifted her spirits more than holding a baby in her lap or watching the children and grandchildren at play.  Dad often summed up Mom's passion by declaring that she could work at a hospital caring for babies and the hospital would not have to pay her.  In fact, Mom would pay the hospital for the privilege of caring for newborns.  

Rita is survived by her children, Dennis (Nancy) Frank, David (Kathy) Frank, Marilyn (Ruben) Rosas, Ann (Mark) Osowski, Scott (Shari) Frank; son-in-law, Richard Reda; 24 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and growing.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; daughter, Terri; parents; and brother, Louis. Although she did not have a sister, her best friends were like sisters: Anita, Mary Ann and Irene (Scottie).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at ST PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N Sherman Ave, Madison with Monsignor James Gunn and Father Grant Thiess presiding. A visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of mass. Entombment will follow the service at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

The family wishes to offer a very special thanks to the employees and staff at Oak Park Place for the kind, compassionate and loving care they extended to our Mom, especially during the last few weeks of her life. Mom knew and appreciated the world-class attention and service she received each and every day of the seven years she lived there; the place she called home. Also, thanks to Mom’s fellow residents who were like extended family, especially Shirley and Peggy for all the time you spent with mom.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to St. Peters Catholic Church, Society of Vincent de Paul, Memorial Masses or Oak Park Place Foundation. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Ave

608-249-8257