Rita J. Cigan

Rita J. Cigan, 86, Stanley, passed away Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Country Terrace Assisted Living in Stanley.

Rita was born April 11, 1936, in Menomonie, the daughter of the late John and Florence (Traxler) Breitzman.

She grew up on the family farm and later graduated from Regis High School.

Rita married Joseph “Joe” Cigan Sr., Oct. 29, 1955, at the Russian Orthodox Church in Huron. The couple continued operation of the family farm in Ruby.

She was a devoted wife to Joe for 67 years, and a loving mother to her six children. Behind the scenes, she provided record keeping and accounting services, for the Cigan Auction Team and family farm.

The most important thing to Rita, was family. Throughout her life, she created the kind of home that kept generations comfortable, well-fed and loved.

She was generous with her time and believed in making memories over material things. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will carry those treasures in their hearts forever. Some of the fondest family memories, were holidays at the farm, sleigh rides, baking cookies and simple visits around the kitchen table.

Rita was an amazing cook, most of the time, from scratch. There was always a seat at the table and you never went away hungry. She enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens,

family pets, but most of all, she loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children – Deb (Otis) Gallett, Gilman, Linda Boettcher, Holcombe, Mark (Brenda) Cigan, Holcombe, Laura (Darren) Story, Fond du lac, Tom (Denise) Cigan, Chippewa Falls, and Joe Cigan Jr., Holcombe; from these six children came 13 grandchildren – Odessa, Sara and Brianna, Mathew and Lacey, Derek, Amy and Samantha, Skylar and Kendra, and Ashley, Mariah and Tyler; and to this date, 17 great-grandchildren; her sister – Ann (Ken) Dudash, Clermont, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband – Joe (2020); her brothers – Jack and Robert; and her sisters – Betty, Mary and Alberta.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 15, at the Holcombe United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Holcombe Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services, at the church. Plombon Funeral Service assisted the family with arrangements.