Rita Katherine Staffne

Rita K. Staffne, age 98 of Grafton, North Dakota passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton.

Rita Katherine Kartes was born March 4, 1928 in Wales, North Dakota, the daughter of the late William H. and Otilda (Koehmstedt) Kartes. She grew up in Milton and attended school there. She worked at the hospital in Langdon. Rita loved to go to the area dances, which is where she met her future husband, Richard. Rita and Richard were united in marriage and made their home in Moses Lake, Washington until returning to Grafton. The couple made their home in Grafton where they raised their family. She worked for Dr. Eaton and his family, whom she considered her second family. She then worked at the Lutheran Sunset Home until her retirement.

She was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. She enjoyed making doggie biscuits with her grandchildren, picking crab apples and baking with Richard. She was very meticulous and enjoyed socializing.

Rita is survived by her daughter-in-law, Cathy Staffne, Grafton, ND; her grandchildren: Tracey (Ken) Fettig, Bismarck, ND; Michael Staffne, Fargo, ND; Brian (Jill) Staffne, West Fargo, ND; Darren (Kristi) Staffne, West Fargo, ND; David (LeeAnn) Staffne, West Fargo, ND; Amanda (Tyler) Page, Warren, MN; 21 great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard, children: Margaret Bodell and Michael Staffne, granddaughter-in-law, Tanya Staffne and several brothers and sisters.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Grafton, ND. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Grafton, ND. Rita’s funeral will be livestreamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home Website.