Rita Mae Robinson, age 76, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota following a lengthy battle with cancer. Rita was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who touched the lives of many.

Rita was born on August 31, 1949 to Joseph and Rose (Muslin) Kafka in Luverne, Minnesota. She had a difficult childhood as her mother died of cancer when she was just seven years old. Then Rita contracted polio shortly after, which led to surgeries, neck and back braces and time spent in the iron lung. Rita was in local newspapers for being in the iron lung. At times, she required the care of a nursing home setting.

Rita graduated from Luverne High School in 1968. She began studies at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. Rita married David Aanenson on December 26, 1970 and they have one daughter, Carie. They resided in Albert Lea, Minnesota for a year before moving to Sioux City, Iowa.
Rita began working overnights at the Crittenton Center's Emergency Shelter around 1977. She resumed her classes at Morningside College and graduated with a Degree in Social Work in 1981. Rita became the supervisor of the Emergency Shelter and from there she developed a program called the Diversion and Monitoring Program to help at-risk teenagers. Rita was the Interim Director of the Crittenton Center before she retired in 1996 due to health concerns.

On April 25, 1998, Rita married the love of her life, Charles (Chuck) Robinson and they began a life together in Sioux Falls, SD. She was a longtime member of St. Michael's Parish and was involved in Adoration and CCD. Rita taught CCD for several years to middle school children and when it was too cold to go out, Chuck was her substitute.
Rita loved her grandchildren and was actively involved in their lives attending sporting events, holidays, and birthdays. She made Rhea, Andrew, and John scrapbooks highlighting their lives from birth to college.

She took my time and care to prepare these, as well as, specialized birthday cards for the family.
Rita enjoyed baking and was known for her Amish bread. She was an avid reader, especially James Patterson novels. Rita loved reality tv and had various shows she kept up with. Rita was a lifelong Vikings fan. She also had a standing $2.00 bet with her brother, Joe when Iowa played Nebraska in college football. Rita's favorite pastime was playing cards with family and friends. They played almost weekly and called themselves the "Racoon Club" and even had special Hawaiian shirts. Above all, faith and family were her greatest passions.

Grateful for sharing her life are her husband, Chuck; daughter, Carie (Andy) of Sioux City, IA; her brother, Joe (Gina) Kafka; her sister, Barb; her sister, Lori Bullis; her three grandchildren, Rhea (Cameron) Abbas, Andrew Greer, and John Greer.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Joseph (who died as an infant), Jerome Kafka, Ray Kafka and Randy Kafka; sister, Rosie Catalan; and brother-in-laws, Lewey Kruger and Gene Bullis.

Services will be held at St. Michael's Church located at 1600 S. Marion Road, Sioux Falls, SD. The wake is on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 from 5:00-7:00pm with a prayer service to follow. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 at 10:30am with a luncheon to follow.