Mary Theresa (Vrtiska) Rinne 98 of Pawnee City, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2018.  She was born on October 11, 1919 on a farm east of Steinauer to Anton and Emma (Obrist) Vrtiska.

She attended St. Anthony's grade school and Steinauer High School, graduating in 1937. During High School and after graduation she worked at a grocery store in Steinauer.  She also was a bookkeeper for the store.

She was united in marriage to Norman Rinne on November 28, 1940 at St. Anthony’s chapel.  To this union 5 children were born, Donald, Russell, John (Jack), William (Bill) and Rosemary. They lived on a farm southwest of Steinauer the rest of their lives. She was a homemaker.

In 1957 she was employed at the State Development Center as a supervisor of staff, she retired in 1983.

Mary was a member the choir from elementary school until her marriage and active in C.Y.O and served as president for many years.  After her marriage she became a member of Sacred Heart  Church at Burchard.  She was a member of Holy Rosary Altar Society, D.C.C.W. Auxiliary, member of the Pink Sisters.  Honorary member of Fraternal order of Eagles.  She was a member of the Steinauer Women’s Club for many years. She served as a member of the Ground Observers Corp, in the early 1950’s.  She and Norman visited family in Arizona, Nevada and the Boston area many times.  She enjoyed following the school and sports activities of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary entered Premier Estates Nursing Home in Pawnee City in August 2013.

Mary loved dancing and music and had many friends.  A very special friend in the later years of her life was Helen Gyrha.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Emma Vrtiska, husband, Norman (1995), son William, sisters and brothers-in-law, Donata Pendergast (Jim), Madaline Matthews (Lloyd), Dorothy Gunzelman (Tex), Sr. Mary Walter (Peggy),  Esther and Bill Schafer, Erna and Vernon  Hoffman, Emeline and Bob Morrissey. Brothers and sisters-in-law, Adrian Leona, John (Norma), Charles, Tony (Pat).

She is survived by  Donald (JoAnne) Rinne of Beatrice, NE, Russell Rinne of Burchard, NE,  John (Mary) of Flagstaff, AZ, daughter, Rosemary (Jay) Wischmeier of Burchard, NE, daughter-in-law, Janice Rinne of Boston, sister and brother-in-law, Betty Bedea (Gary), sister-in-law, Clara Vrtiska, brother, William (Carol), 12 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews.

Services 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 10, 2018 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Steinauer, Nebraska. Officiating Father Michael Christensen.  Visitation Friday, February 9, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..  Rosary on Friday February 9, 2018 at 7:00 p.m., at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, with family greeting friends an hour before the Rosary.  Interment at Evergreen Cemetery, Beatrice, Nebraska.  Memorials to family choice. On line condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com