Rita Marie Johnson, 88, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Agrace Hospice Care in Madison. Rita was born on April 19, 1937, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Dr. Joseph Kruml Sr. and Helen Kruml. She spent most of her childhood in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where her love for people and conversation was evident from a young age. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1955 and attended Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, for one year before entering the convent. Rita spent six years with the Sisters of Mercy but ultimately chose not to take her final vows and left the convent. She then pursued her nursing education, graduating from Saint Catherine's School of Nursing in Omaha in 1962. Rita furthered her education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Creighton University in Omaha in 1963.

Throughout her career, Rita worked in various settings as a nurse, including hospitals, nursing homes, as a school nurse, as a nurse for prisoners in the local jail, and with Goodwill Industries. Her last position before retirement was with Crawford Company, where she applied her nursing knowledge in the business environment of workers' compensation cases. Rita's intelligence and business acumen made her well-suited for this role.

Rita loved gardening, and her yard was always beautifully maintained. She also had a deep passion for sports, especially her beloved Dallas Cowboys when she relocated to Flower Mound, Texas. Watching a game with her was always an experience, as she enthusiastically and loudly cheered on her team. She cherished her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them, often paying them a quarter to play the game Sequence with her.

Rita is survived by her two children, Michael Buckalew (Joy) of Madison, Wisconsin, and Mary Helen Kunkel (Christopher) of Shreveport, Louisiana, and by her stepson, Matthew Johnson (Linda) of Richmond, Texas.

Rita took great pride in her growing family and loved being "Grandma" to her eight grandchildren: James Kunkel of Shreveport, Louisiana; Timothy Kunkel (Hannah) of Nome, Alaska; Faith Love (Taylor) of Shreveport, Louisiana; Amber Buckalew, Ryan Buckalew, and Derek Buckalew, all of Madison, Wisconsin; and Nicole and Luke Johnson of Richmond, Texas. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Oliver and Juliette Kunkel of Nome, Alaska, and Beckett and Noa Love of Shreveport, Louisiana.

Rita is also survived by her sister, Helen Bees of Fountain Valley, California; her sister-in-law, Meredith Kruml, of McKinney, Texas; and 17 nieces and nephews who were dear to her and with whom she shared many fond memories throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry Johnson; her father, Dr. Joseph Kruml Sr.; her mother, Helen Kruml; her brothers, Joseph Kruml Jr. and Donald Kruml; and her sister-in-law, Joan Kruml.

Rita will be remembered for her love of people and her infectious laugh. When she smiled, she did it with her whole face. When she laughed, it filled the room, and you could not help but laugh with her. She will be greatly missed.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to All Saints Memory Care and Agrace Hospice for their compassion, kindness, and exceptional care.

Rita's final resting place will be at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery on December 5th at 2:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation (www.parkinson.org).