Rita Kasinak

Rita Leona (Pearl) Kasinak entered eternal life on August 11, 2023, while living at Waverly Gardens Senior Living Community in North Oaks, MN.

She was born in St. Paul, MN to Richard W. and Julitta A. (Schmitz) Pearl on December 21, 1931. Rita grew up in the Highland Park area of St. Paul where she attended St. Mark's grade school. She went on to study at St. Joseph's Academy where she graduated with academic honors in 1949.

Rita met and then married Leo C. Kasinak on February 24, 1954. She worked full-time as a legal secretary and administrative assistant while Leo attended the University of Minnesota and St. Thomas University to become a teacher and guidance counselor. Rita and Leo enjoyed Russian dancing and camping with friends in northern MN. They had 2 children, Laurel, and Tom.

Rita was a talented seamstress, a competitive poker player and an avid golfer who enjoyed playing the links at the Luck Golf course in northern WI. She loved spending time at the family cabin on Bone Lake.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Richard, and by her husband Leo. Besides Laurel and Tom, Rita is survived by her sister Richelle Pearl Kohler of Minneapolis and her grandchildren Kelly Madden, Dan Madden, Holly Landkammer, Andrea Brennhofer and Aaron Kasinak. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Hazel, Leo, Jude, Sawyer, and Wren.

Rita was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. Her life was exemplified by her love for her family and her strong faith in God.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, August 31, 2023 at St. Jude of the Lake Church in Mahtomedi, MN at 11am with Visitation starting at 10 am. Private interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in North St. Paul, MN. A luncheon reception will then be held at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.