The memorial service celebrating the life of Rita Boehland of Verndale was held at 4 p.m on Thursday, November 7, at the Verndale Alliance Church with Pastor Tony Stanley presiding.  Visitation was held at the church on Thursday, from 3 p.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will be in Green Lawn Cemetery, Verndale.

  After a lengthy illness, Rita passed away at the age of 65 on November 1, 2024, at her home in rural Verndale.  Loving care was provided by her family and Vivie (Knute Nelson) Hospice.

  Rita was born the sixth of seven children, to Lloyd J. and Lorraine (Worden) Sellnow on April 12, 1959, at Wesley Hospital in Wadena. She went to school in Verndale and graduated with the Class of 1977. While growing up on the farm she was an avid horse rider winning many ribbons and trophies and could milk the cows better than anyone! Rita married Harry Boehland but they later parted ways. After several years, she met Don Zerfoss and they became constant companions. Her career included working at local ag businesses for over 25 years, later working for Brunswick in New York Mills. Time away from work Rita spent outdoors, perfecting her flower gardens and yard or enjoying seasonal fishing and camping.  She also liked golfing, going to casinos and farm work.

  Preceding Rita in death were her parents Lloyd and Lorraine; sister-in-law Beverly Sellnow; nephews, Garrick Isakson and Vincent Sellnow; and great-nephew, Edmund Sellnow.

  Rita is survived by her children, Tracy Smith of Brainerd and Stephanie (Adam) Minten of New York Mills; five grandchildren; siblings: Diane (Zeke) Isakson of Powers Lake, N.D., Steven (Connie) Sellnow of Sartell, Minn., Michael (Rhonda) Sellnow of Pine Island, Minn., Thomas (Kathy) Sellnow of Long Prairie, Minn., Richard (Doreen) Sellnow of Brainerd, Minn., and Nancy (Brad) Braaten of Bertha; significant other, Don Zerfoss; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

  Honorary urn bearers will be Rita’s grandchildren: Lily Boehland-Goeden, Olivia and Evan Ithivongkham and Beau and Nora Minten.

  Arrangements with the Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Wadena (www.SchullerFamilyFH.com)