Rita J. Wintjen

Rita J. Wintjen, of Florissant, Missouri, passed away on September 17, 2026, at the age of 75. She was born on April 7, 1951, in St. Louis City, Missouri.

Rita lived with a spirit that was spicy, strong-willed, independent, and matter-of-fact. She was very much to the point, yet beneath that directness was a kind and deeply loving nature. She was hard-headed, hard-working, intelligent, and she brought fun along with unmistakable energy wherever she went.

She graduated from McCluer High School in 1969 and went on to earn both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Rita began her career with McDonnell Douglas at just eighteen years old, starting in the mail room. Through dedication and determination, she remained with the company through its transition to Boeing, continuing there until her retirement, building a remarkable career that spanned more than 50 years and concluded in management. Her work ethic and perseverance reflected the same strength that defined every part of her life.

Outside of work, Rita embraced the things and people she loved with enthusiasm. She enjoyed playing Mad Libs on every vacation, working large-print crossword puzzles, as well as reading Nora Roberts books. She played softball, joined bowling leagues, and took part in water aerobics. In softball, her nickname was “PigPen,” earned because she was always diving into the dirt at shortstop. She especially loved showing up for her grandchildren, attending concerts, band performances, choir events, sports, and anything else that mattered to them. She was their biggest supporter, and her pride in them shone brightly, especially with the biggest beaming smile when both of her granddaughters graduated.

Rita also leaves behind the kind of memories that will be retold with laughter and affection for years to come. When her daughter Bridgett was 9, a coworker was coming to pick Rita up for Phantom of the Opera. Arriving early, Rita called out to Bridgett, “Stall! Stall! I haven’t shaved my legs yet!” It was a moment full of humor and perfect Rita spirit. She had a way of downplaying any emergency her daughter thought needed attention, meeting life with a steadiness all her own. “Paducah!” remains one of those treasured family exclamations that will always bring her to mind. Her granddaughter fondly remembers after-school with grammy cutting up bologna and pretzels with ranch, as well as the comfort she always offered with Lipton chicken soup and flat Sprite whenever someone was feeling sick. These small acts of care were among the many ways she made people feel loved.

Her proudest accomplishments are her daughter and grandchildren, who were the center of her heart. Rita loved her friends so deeply that they became family, and that gift for loyalty and connection was one of the great blessings of her life.

Rita is survived by her loving daughter, Bridgett Wieczorek and Bridgett’s husband, Joe; her stepson, Eric Wintjen and his wife, Tracy; her granddaughters, Taylor Wintjen and her fiancé, Daniel Spires, and Rio Wieczorek; her sister, Joan Grillion and her husband, Jim; her brother, Michael Petrus; and her closest friends, Lydia and Karen. She is also survived by many extended family members and friends, all of whom she loved deeply.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Irene Petrus; her brother, Wayne Petrus; her best friend, Sally Wharton; and her beloved pets.

Rita will be remembered for her strength, her sharp mind, her humor, her fierce love for her family, and the steadfast way she showed up for the people she cherished. Her memory will live on in the stories she gave her family, the laughter she inspired, and the love she poured into everyday life.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.