Rita Helen (Biermeier) Waterman, age 79, of Elroy, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at her home in Elroy.
She was born on March 15, 1947 in Mauston, the daughter of William and Wanda (Scoles) Biermeier. Rita graduated from the Royall High School in 1965 and MATC in Madison with a degree in medical transcription. She then began working for Dr. Balder in Elroy.
Rita was united in marriage to William Waterman on May 7, 1966 in Elroy. Time was spent raising her two boys at home, along with volunteering as a teacher’s aide at school.
She then worked at Mile Bluff Medical Center until she was asked to help care for her greatest blessings, her grandchildren, Ryan and Rachel Waterman in 2006.
Rita loved reading, crocheting and her cats, family vacations at Folley Beach in South Carolina, going to the family cabin in Winter, Wisconsin and she was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and stock holder.
Survivors include her sons, Douglas (Amanda) Waterman and David (Chris) Waterman; grandchildren, Ryan Waterman (Hunter Pierce) and Rachel Waterman (Bill Neuman); great grandson, Boden Waterman; sister, Susan Steele; brother, Andy (Nancy) Biermeier; sister-in-law, Debbie Antone and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” of 57 years in 2023; parents, Bill and Wanda; sister-in-law, Nancy Hotek and brothers-in-law, Henry Steele and Bob Antone.
A Celebration of Rita’s Life will be held with a time of visitation on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy; a Memorial Service on Saturday, September 19th at 11:00 a.m. at the Picha Funeral Home in Elroy; with interment for Bill and Rita at the Elroy City Cemetery; followed by a reception at the American Legion Hall in Elroy.
Picha Funeral Home
