Rita Metzger

Rita Metzger, 94, passed away January 20, 2024. She was born November 24, 1929 in Racine, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Samuel and Leah (nee Jacobson) Feldman. Samuel owned Feldman’s shoe store in Racine and Rita’s extended family owned Jacobson’s Department Store located near the shoe store on 16th street.

Rita was preceded in death by her infant twin sister, Shirley; daughters-in-law, Yvette Hart-Metzger and Peggy Metzger; and her former husband and father of her children, Hugh L. Metzger.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving and devoted three children, Jeffrey Metzger (Annette) of East Hampton, NY, Gary Metzger of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Karen Metzger Leuther (Michael) of Fishers, IN; six grandchildren, Brittany Metzger Nierste (Vincent), Joel Metzger (Brigid), Stephen Kabaker, Jessica Leuther, Sarah Leuther and David Leuther; two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Augustus Nierste; and sister, Doris Weisberg (Robert).

Rita did her undergraduate work at Alverno College in Milwaukee, followed by Carol College in Waukesha, Wisconsin.  Rita met Hugh at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in French in 1952.  She also earned a Dietetic Technician degree in 1976 from Harper College, Schaumburg, Illinois.  Rita was a member of Beth Israel Sinai Synagogue in Racine. She was an avid gardener, collector of odd things, especially cookbooks, and she loved to characterize people in a comedic way.

She had an impeccable memory and a unique sense of humor. She will be greatly missed.

Graveside services will be held at the Racine Jewish Memorial Cemetery at 2 PM on January 23, 2024  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Beth Israel Sinai Synagogue or a charity of your choice.

To send private condolences to the family, please visit the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.