Rheta is survived by her husband of 57 years, Wayne Wenzel; three children: Jeff Wenzel (Julie) of Springville, Doug Wenzel (Lori) of Iowa City and Marcia Redden (Rodger) of Williamsburg; and 9 grandchildren: Thomas, Kathleen, James, Matthew, Karl, Piper, Jack, Alex and Lindsey. She is also survived by her brothers: Bill Mumm, Vernon Mumm and Eddie Mumm, and her sisters: Miona Marie Johnson, Darlene Schuller and Marilyn Vosdingh. Preceding Rheta in death were her parents, her sisters Wynette Burger and Carol Mumm-Maresh Phelps, and her brother Duane Mumm.

Rheta was born September 13, 1939 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, the fourth of ten children of Lester and Miona (Probst) Mumm. She graduated from Walford High School in 1958.  She was united in marriage to Wayne Wenzel on January 30, 1960 at St. Paul Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids. Rheta was employed at the Square D Company where she met her husband, Wayne. She also worked for many years at Roosevelt Junior High School and John F. Kennedy High School.

Rheta and Wayne shared a strong Christian faith. She had a great knowledge of flowers and birds and had a gift for creating beautiful flower gardens in the backyard of their home where they lived for over 50 years. She loved decorating her home for all the holidays. Christmas was her favorite and she turned her home into a wonderland for her grandchildren to enjoy. She orchestrated gatherings for her immediate family and her large family of brothers and sisters. She also was an excellent cook and baker which was an activity she loved to share with her grandchildren.

Most of all, Rheta excelled at being an exceptionally devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was selfless in her dedication to her family. Each of those she loved was better having had her in their lives. Her mischievous sense of humor and love for people made her a joy to be around. There were always smiles and laughter when she was present.

Memorial donations may be directed to the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.

The family would like to thank St. Luke's Hospital, Mercy Medical Center and Ken Cearlock, M.D. for their compassionate and exceptional care.