North Freedom - Rita Mae Strampe passed away peacefully on November 11, 2013, at her home in North Freedom, Wisconsin, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She died, as she always lived, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family. Today we remember our Rita, beyond her illness, as she is now at peace so far from its grasp. We take comfort in the countless memories we shared and wrap ourselves in the love she brought and bestowed to all those around her. Her story began on March 19, 1958. Born to William and Dorothy (Welk) Braun of Baraboo, Rita, the baby of her family, was welcomed with open arms by her mother and father, sisters, Jeanne and Rose, and big brothers, Frank and Don. On April 10, 1976, she married the boy-who-lived-next-door and the love of her life, Mark Wayne Strampe. The happiness that started with a kiss and a vow continued to grow through their marriage and many years together; their love remains strong yet today. With joy, Mark and Rita welcomed two beautiful daughters; first, Rebecca Jo and, a few years later, Amy Marie. Throughout her life, Rita relished the simple things: spending an evening around the campfire with her friends and family; journeys to the Northwoods by Harley, happily riding for miles and miles behind her husband; taking great care of the ones she held dearest to her heart. She worked hard, always providing for her family first, and so often thinking of herself as a far-too-distant second. Rita was a long time employee of Darrow's Bakery in Baraboo, leaving her position there when Walmart opened in Lake Delton, where she continued to work for over 10 years. Along her journey, Rita welcomed (and gave in return) so much happiness, easily opening her heart to many. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Mark; daughters, Rebecca (Christian Kelly) Strampe and Amy (Tom) LeMoine; brother, Frank Braun; four granddaughters: Kailee Mae Strampe, Makayla Rae Strampe, Ashlyn Kae LeMoine and Peyton Rita Kelly; her mother-in-law, Lois Strampe; niece, Dana (nee Strampe) Crawford; closest friends, David and Johnna Hawkins, and an extended family (including many, many friends and relatives) that simply number too great to mention. Rita was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Jean (nee Braun) Hammarstrom and Rose (nee Braun) Hammermeister; her brother, Donnie Braun; and her brother-in-law, Gary Hammermeister. Our family extends its sincerest gratitude to the UW Hospital and Carbone Cancer Center, Dr. Noelle LoConte, MD, Nurse Sandy (and staff) and the Saint Jude Hospice of Baraboo, especially Nurse Christie and Nurse Karen. Memorial services will be held at the Rock Springs Community Center on Saturday, November 16, 2013. Visitation will begin at 10 am and continue until the time of services at 1 pm. Rita will be laid to rest at a private burial in Oakhill Cemetery in North Freedom at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family. The Rago-Baldwin Funeral Home, 520 East St., in Baraboo, is assisting the family with arrangements. Rita’s physical journey may be over but her story and her love will live on through all whom she touched.