Obituary of Rita Potcher

Rita J Potcher, age 90, died on May 13, 2013 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. She was born August 1, 1922, in Algoma, WI, to Joseph and Margaret Schmidt. She graduated from Holy Family Hospital Nursing Program in Manitowoc, WI. Rita served our country as a nurse during WW2, attaining the rank of Lieutenant during which she was awarded both the American Theater Ribbon and Victory Medal awards. During her years of service she met, nursed and later married Daniel H Potcher Jr., an amputee veteran. Married in Battle Creek, MI, they later moved to Meadville, PA, to raise their 4 awesome daughters, while Rita continued to work as a nurse. Rita, Dan and Diane, the youngest daughter, traveled west in search of a new adventure, settling in Carlsbad, NM. There Rita worked as a public health nurse until she retired in 1988. She relocated to Tucson, AZ where she spent her time building a new home, antiquing and restoring furniture and spending time with her grandson, Julius. Among family and friends, Rita was best known for her fierce independence, energy and lack of intimidation at any project, a trait she instilled in her daughters. Rita is survived by her four daughters, Janet Beatty of Sagertown, PA, Judy Thomas of Ventnor, NJ, Mary Jamison of Sisquoc, CA, and Diane Carlson of Lake Havasu City, AZ. She also leaves behind 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Her brothers, David, Tom and Frank Schmidt still reside in Wisconsin. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Dan, sister Bede (Beatrice) Vania and grandson Jeremy Ingram. Services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. A special thanks to Hospice of Havasu for their support and guidance to the family and gentle care of our Mom. Memorial contributions are welcome at Hospice of Havasu…for their help and support. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.