Rita Billstrom

Rita Marie (St. Mane) Billstrom, 88, of Baxter MN, passed away peacefully on May 27,2022 in her home surrounded by family.

Rita was born on July 21, 1933 to Charles and Mildred St. Mane in Camden Park Minneapolis.  Rita was raised in Camden Park and graduated from Patrick Henry High School.  Rita met Emanuel (Will) Swan Billstrom on a double date that her sister Lee had set up.  Emanuel and Rita were married February 12, 1955 and went on to adopt 4 children; Joan, Eric, Heidi and Aaron and were blessed to share 59 years of marriage together before Emanuel’s passing in 2014.

Rita worked at the post office in Anoka as a rural postal carrier for 23 years and was also city treasurer of Ham Lake for several years.  Once Rita retired, she spent her time having coffee with friends, collecting dolls, quilting, playing cards, and spending time with her family.

Rita was predeceased by her husband Emanuel Billstrom, parents Mildred and Charles, her brother Charles St. Mane, her sisters Donna Norris and Lee Lundeen.  She is survived by her siblings; Milly Peterson, Joan Wisneski, and Teri (Dave) Tilly.  Her children; Joan (Rick) Krantz, Eric Billstrom, Heidi Billstrom and Aaron (Tina) Billstrom. Her 7 grandchildren; Ryan (Angela) Krantz, Raymon (Carissa) Krantz, Joel Billstrom, Jeremy (Melody) Krantz, Jessica Billstrom, Kyle Fugate, and Kristy (Derek) Imsande and her 7 great grandchildren; Alivia, Layton, Gavyn, Charlotte, Landyn, Kirby, and Hayden.

Services will be held at Timberwood Church in Nisswa on June 02, 2022 with visitation at 1pm and service at 2pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Christian Radio Station in the Brainerd Lakes area or the Ladies Auxiliary VFW, organizations Rita felt strongly about.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.