Rita R. Neslund

Rita R. Neslund, age 82, of Wyoming, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025, in Cloquet, Minnesota.

Rita faced the challenges of multiple sclerosis for over 50 years with remarkable strength, never allowing it to diminish her humor, her joy for life, or her lively spirit. Her resilience was matched by a love for music that she generously shared with others—playing both the piano and accordion entirely by ear, without a single formal lesson. Whether at family gatherings or casual get-togethers, her music brought light and laughter to those around her.

Rita cherished time spent camping and snowmobiling with her family. In later years, she and her beloved husband Charlie enjoyed wintering in Florida, creating many treasured memories during their 55 years of marriage.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Aurelia (Nelson) Stevenson; her devoted husband, Charlie, in 2022; her sister, Yvonne Moen; brothers, Sheldon and Curtis Stevenson; brother-in-law, Mark Moen; and sister-in-law, Joyce Stevenson.

Rita is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Monica (Jeff) Nielsen and Melanie Neslund; her sister, Myra Peterson; brothers, Ross Stevenson and Cory Stevenson; sister-in-law, Lonna Stevenson-Olson; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota. Rita will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Lindstrom, Minnesota.