Rita E. Kauder, 96, of Cascade, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at River Bend Retirement Community in Cascade, Iowa.

Visitation for Rita will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026 at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Rita at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa, with Rev. Anthony Kruse presiding. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade.

Rita was born April 9, 1930 in LaMotte, Iowa, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Smith) Knockel. On August 24, 1950 she was united in marriage to William J. Kauder at the former St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa. He preceded her in death on July 15, 2007.

She enjoyed bowling throughout her life and was a proud member of the Hot Shots bowling team in Cascade for an impressive 70 years. A talented bowler, she maintained an average of 158 and achieved a high score of 279. She was also a woman of many talents who enjoyed keeping busy with knitting, crocheting, and quilting. She also worked for Dr. McGrory and did painting and stripping wood and wallpapering.

Above all, she was incredibly proud of her family, whom she considered her greatest blessing. She often spoke lovingly of her “six great kids” and her family was certainly her number one priority in life. Her love, dedication and pride in her family were at the heart of everything she did, leaving a lasting legacy of love and cherished memories.

She was a member of St. Matthias Parish and had a great faith, she knitted several prayer schawls over the years and has said more than 10,000 rosaries for others.

She was a fantastic hostess, she made sure everyone felt welcome and included, and had a beverage to drink. She loved to enjoy bonfires with family and friends, and of course a good card game. She was very selfless and volunteered her time and talents, she was a Girl Scout leader, and a Den leader who made the initial flag for the Cub Scouts Troop #29.

She is survived by five children, Liz (Pat) Kauder-Barry of Bellevue, IA, Susie Steffen of Cascade, IA, Bart (Heather) Kauder and Kyle (Anne) Kauder both of Cascade, IA, and Kit (Troy) McMann of Martelle, IA; 12 Grandchildren, Katie, Kelli, P.J., Shannon, Crystal, Brandi, Alex, Josh, Jake, Amanda, Kayla, and Vic; 20 Great grandchildren, Lily, Clara, Gabriel, Rileigh, Patrick, Klaus, Ginny, Edward, Tanner, Maxwell, Kaelyn, Madison, Mallory, Matthew,, Melinda, Devin, Aubri, Elijah, Wesley, Oliver, Vincent, and Lucas; one great-great grandchild, Caleb and another on the way; one sister, Leona Gordon of Dubuque, IA; two sisters-in-laws, Joan Kauder of Cascade, IA, Diana Kauder; and an honorary daughter-in-law, Judy Decker-Ward.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; and infant son, William J. Kauder in Nov. 1952; and a son, William “Floyd” Kauder on Oct. 8, 2004; five brothers, Joseph (Mary) Knockel, Howard; (Evelyn) Knockel, Walter (Celine) Knockel, Leo Knockel and Elmer (Helen) Knockel; and two sisters, Irene (Mervin) Carnahan and Marie (Sonny) Giegerich; one brother-in-law, Paul “Flash” Gordon.

An online video tribute may be viewed and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc@gmail.com

The family of Rita would like to thank the Staff of River Bend Retirement Community for all the compassion and care given to their mother.