Rita M. (Ring) Wong, 93 of Mason City and formerly of Manly passed away peacefully Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the Good Shepherd Health Center.
Memorial Services will be 2:30pm Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd Street NE, Mason City, IA 50401.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.
Rita Mae was born June 26, 1931 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Louis A. and Mabel (McDonald) Ring. She attended school in Dubuque and worked for her brother, Bud, at the Maid Rite Cafe, a time Rita was very proud of. On March 3, 1954 she married Larry Wong in Chicago, IL. To this union six children were born: Tina, Joy, Ellen, Anna, Larry and Laura. The family owned and operated several restaurants throughout the country over the years,including Colorado, Arizona and South Dakota finally settling in Northwood, IA where they owned the Viking Restaurant for some time. In 1992, the couple stepped back from the restaurant, and in 1993 Larry passed away.
Rita embraced life with enthusiasm and a deep love for her family. Her years as a restaurant owner highlighted her tireless work ethic and knack for creating spaces that brought people together. In her retirement, Rita enjoyed socializing and was a proud member of the VFW and Order of the Eagles, and enjoyed serving breakfast at the Moose Lodge, alongside her companion, Harold “Cap” Kothenbeutel. Together, they explored the Southwest and eastern United States, sharing adventures she cherished. A proud and devoted grandmother, Rita relished the time she spent with her grandchildren, celebrating holidays and special occasions, and creating memories that will endure for generations. Among her cherished experiences, flying with her granddaughter Sasha and her family was a standout highlight. Whether enjoying the beauty of Clear Lake, local parks, savoring a favorite soap opera or game show, or humming along to Lawrence Welk, Rita found joy in life’s simple pleasures, always keeping her loved ones at the center of it all.
Surviving are her beloved children, Tina (Dan) O’Connell of Ames, Joy (Gayle) Melcher of Osage, Ellen (Jeff Lucey) Wong of Rochester, Anna (Steve) Reindl of Manly, Larry (Molly) Wong of Ames, and Laura (Kevin) Tatro of Carlisle, IA; grandchildren, Sara (Matt) Parsons, Kelly O’Connell, Nate (Kelli) Melcher, Emily (Peter) Anderson, Jordan (Emily) Melcher, Jodie Nieman, Jason Nieman, Brent (Reyna) Reindl, Sasha (John) Burkhardt, Andy Reindl, Forest Wong, Harmony Wong, and Jazlyn Tatro; 14 great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; parents, Louis and Mabel; five brothers, Louis (Carol), Donald (Shirley), Kenneth (Gloria), Robert (Virginia) and Richard Ring; three sisters, Mabel (Edward) Duccini, Frances (LeRoy) Bolander and Elizabeth (Lawrence) McGinnis; as well as siblings in infancy and many cherished friends.
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel. 641-423-2372. ColonialChapels.com
