Rita A. (Bendish) Cermak

Rita Cermak age 76, of McClusky, ND passed away peacefully in her home on August 13, 2024.  Services will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 10:30 AM CST at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan ND with Fr. Thomas Graner officiating. A burial will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM CST, Monday, August 19 at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home, Mandan, ND with a vigil service starting at 6:00 PM.

Born on January 15, 1948 to John and Anna (Rebenitsch) Bendish, Rita was the youngest of six children raised on the family farm in Fort Rice, ND. She graduated from St. Mary’s Central High School and went on to work in the Bismarck/Mandan area until marrying the love her life, Gordon Cermak, on August 19, 1970. Gordon and Rita began their love story as young children and spent 62 loving years together as best friends building a beautiful family and enjoying life together.

After marriage, Gordon and Rita moved to multiple locations following Gordon’s military career including San Antonia, Texas, Laramie, Wyoming and found their home in Fairbanks, Alaska for 17 years where they had their children, Michele, Tiffany and Clint. In 1990, they moved back to North Dakota to be closer to family and purchased the hardware store in Beulah. They worked there side by side for 21 years until selling the store in 2011 before moving to Mandan and then finally purchasing their dream home outside of McClusky, ND in 2015.

Rita was a woman of grace, warmth, and unwavering love for her faith and family. Rita was a devout catholic as an avid member of each catholic parish she joined. She attended mass every Sunday and participating in bible study, serving as a Eucharistic minister, teaching CCD and participating in many prayer groups.

In her words “it is a mother’s joy to have her children and grandchildren around her”. Of all her roles in life, being a grandmother brought Rita the greatest enjoyment. She adored her grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them.

She was happiest when surrounded by those she held dear, especially in the comfort of her home, where the aromas of her delicious cooking filled the air. Her kitchen was always open, and she found great joy in preparing meals that brought her family and friends together. An avid gardener, Rita spent countless hours creating a beautiful and bountiful garden which she shared with others.

Rita also had an enthusiasm for life that extended beyond her home. She and Gordon shared a love of travel, exploring new places together. She also loved to be outside watching wildlife or playing golf. 

Rita is survived by her husband Gordon; children Michele (Tom) Bryan, Tiffany (Chad) Dschaak, and Clint (Paige) Cermak; her grandchildren Jerit, Blake, Avery, Leah, Karlee, Abigail, and Fiona; her siblings Gladys (Alton) Bauer, Char (Eric) Bondeson; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings Arnold Bendish, Richard Bendish, Carol Hatzenbuehler, Agnes Jennings, and Wayne Cermak.

Her legacy of love, kindness, and the joy she brought into the lives of those around her will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Rita had a love for flowers but also had passion to support St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. 

Arrangements are conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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