Rita M. Dunnigan

Rita M. Dunnigan, 97, of Walhalla, ND, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at the Pembilier Nursing Center in Walhalla. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, February 20, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 19, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a 6:00 p.m. vigil service at the church.

Rita was born August 31, 1925, to Joseph and Mae (Schneider) Fischer near Mount Carmel, ND. Growing up as the oldest of nine children, she developed her mothering skills at an early age. She attended school at Maida, ND.

 On June 18, 1951, Rita married Raymond E. Dunnigan at Mt. Carmel. They lived and farmed in the Beaulieu area, where they raised seven children, fully testing her mothering skills.

Rita helped establish and was a leader for the area 4-H club. She was also a member of the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Olga where she served on the Altar Society and taught religious education. She was  a woman of strong faith, and after moving into Walhalla in 1992, was able to attend daily Mass. Rita always had a rosary handy, and in her later years was often seen holding her rosary while walking the halls at Pembilier Nursing Center.  She also enjoyed baking, gardening, and sewing.

She is survived by her children: Debbie Hudson, Rolla, ND; Nancy Dunnigan (Dave Koehser) Minneapolis, MN; Mary Saxowsky, West Fargo, ND; Shirley Breimeier, Beulah, ND; Edgar (Deanne) Dunnigan, Mcville, ND; daughters-in-law: Linda Dunnigan, Minto, ND; and Bev Dunnigan, Walhalla, ND; 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; siblings: Dorothy Soeby, Joe (Sharron) Fischer, Mary Werner, and Randy (Penny) Fischer.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond; sons: Dan and Earl Dunnigan; sons-in-law: Tim Hudson, David Saxowsky, and Wayne Breimeier; brothers, Bob, Hugh, and Larry Fischer; and sister, Lois Hoffarth.