BESSEMER, Mich. - Rita Ann (Wroblewski) Johnson, 80, of Bessemer, passed away peacefully Monday morning, April 6, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin, with her loving family at her side.

Rita was born on Nov. 10, 1945, in Ironwood, to Andrew and Margaret (Hamel) Wroblewski. After graduating from Northern Michigan University in Marquette in 1965, she began her nursing career as a licensed practical nurse at Divine Infant Hospital in Wakefield.

In 1975, Rita married David Allen Johnson at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer, and went on to have three children, Valerie, Adrean and Luke. She navigated motherhood, domestic engineering and part-time nursing work with the support of family and friends until being able to return to nursing full time when her youngest was in primary school. Rita returned to school and continued working for several years as a registered nurse before retirement.

As a young woman, she loved photography, painting, ice-skating and going for canoe rides. Later in life, and in retirement, Rita enjoyed working in her flower and small vegetable gardens, looked forward to getting into nature on fishing and camping trips with the family, and traveling with her husband. Most of all, she took pleasure visiting her children and grandchildren. She loved roses and cooking sweet treats.

Rita was a strong-willed force and is survived by her elder sister, Mary Jean; her loving husband; three children; four grandchildren; extended family and some close trusted friends.

She was a devout Catholic who enjoyed going to church.

Out of respect for Rita's wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 12, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 210 E. Iron St., in Bessemer, with the Rev. Christian Flagstadt, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and interment will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer.

Luncheon will be served in the parish hall immediately upon return from the cemetery.

The family would like to thank the phenomenal care team at Rennes Health and Rehab Center in Weston, Wisconsin, for their kindness and care during the last few months of what Rita liked to call "bullsh*t."

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.