Rita Grim

Rita Grim, age 72, of Ortonville, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center and Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, from a cardiac arrest.

The family will hold a celebration of Rita’s life at a later date and notice will be given.

Rita Rose (Benshoof) Grim was born on October 3, 1952, in Ortonville, MN, to Howard and Ethel (Bucholz) Benshoof. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN. She remained a faithful member at Trinity until her passing. She enjoyed many activities at the church, including being employed there and especially her work doing braille transcription of the Bible.

Rita attended Ortonville Public School and graduated in 1971. She then attended Anoka Technical College, graduating in 1972 as an Apparel Specialist.

In 1975, she married Thomas Grim, and they had two sons: Shawn and Brandon. They later divorced in 1992.

Rita worked various jobs in Ortonville, including Geno’s Cove, Hilltop Grocery, and the Matador Supper Club before becoming co-owner of El Tios Mexican Restaurant with Tom until moving to Rochester, MN, in 1985.

Rita had various jobs in Rochester, beginning at the Kahler Grand Hotel in different managerial roles as well as the Holiday Inn Downtown and Baker’s Square. She moved back home to Ortonville in the early 2010s to help care for and be near her aging mother and brother.

Rita was blessed with the gift of gab. She was an ultimate crafter, enjoying everything from simple watercolors to intricate and elaborate designs made from everything and anything. She was also an avid Neil Diamond fan. She especially loved spending time with and doing art projects with her grandchildren.

Rita is survived by her sons: Shawn (Jesseca) Grim of Rochester, MN; and Brandon (Heather) Grim of Kasson, MN: five grandchildren: Maggie (Connor), Tyler (Kiera), Levi, Hunter, and Alice; sister, Lori (Steve) Koenen of Hutchinson, MN; and nephews: Billy (Becky) Johnson of Gaylord, MN; and Mitch (Brook) Johnson of New London, MN.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Ethel; and three brothers: Lynn, Joel, and Wayne.