Amorita "Rita" Blizek Obituary

Amorita "Rita" Blizek, 96, passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2025. She was born in Estherville, Iowa on December 17th, 1928 to parents Charles and Estella (Fitzgibbons) Sarazine. She grew up on a family farm outside of Spirit Lake, Iowa. The oldest of four children, Rita remained close to her siblings her entire life and was always eager to visit the idyllic settings of her childhood.

Education was an important part of her life. After graduating from Spirit Lake High School, she fulfilled her academic endeavors in Dubuque, Iowa, where she graduated from Clarke College. She went on to teach at Lincoln Public School in Estherville.

Rita met her husband Kenneth during her teaching years in Estherville. They married in Spirit Lake in 1954 and children Mike, Cheryl, and Mark soon followed. They lived briefly in Omaha, Nebraska before moving to Des Moines, Iowa and then Ankeny, Iowa. In 1966, the family moved to a country acreage on the eastern edge of Waukee, Iowa. This is where her children matured into young adults and grandkids were entertained. After the death of her husband, she decided to downsize and move to a townhome in Urbandale, Iowa, eventually settling in the Waukee area.

Rita enjoyed many hobbies during her long life. She dabbled in ceramics and photography, and relished playing her electric organ. She absolutely loved to travel. Most often her trips were taken with loved ones, visiting loved ones. Whether it was to see her siblings' families in Spirit Lake and Algona, Iowa and Alliance, Nebraska, or to far away corners of the globe, she loved connecting with others and the larger world.

Rita loved genealogy, a passion she shared with her sister Patsi. They traveled extensively around Iowa, visiting libraries, courthouses, cemeteries and other places of historic record. Rita also journeyed to Quebec and Ireland to learn about her roots. She was always willing to share the results of her research. She helped many family members learn more about their "greats" and cousins far removed.

Up until her death, Rita remained active in various social groups, regularly playing in her neighborhood Canasta card group. She was a long-time member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waukee, and she greatly enjoyed her friends at scripture study.

Rita lived independently up until the time of her death, which is a testament to her strong spirit. She is survived by her children, son Michael (Leanne) Blizek, their children Matt, Mason (Mindi) and Chad (Ashley); daughter Cheryl Blizek, her children Noah, Anna (Michael) and Carson; son Mark Blizek and his step-son Michael Kelso. She is also survived by twelve great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth and her siblings, (Patsi Sieh, Dolores Becker, and Charles Sarazine), as well as daughter-in-law, Cynthia Blizek and granddaughter, Rebecca Blizek.

Visitation will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waukee on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM, followed by Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. After the Mass, friends and family are invited to gather for a luncheon, with burial at Booneville Cemetery, Booneville, Iowa to follow. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Boniface Catholic Church, 1200 South Warrior Lane, Waukee, Iowa, 50263. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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