Rito Pedro Saenz

Rito Pedro Saenz, 74, of Topeka, passed away peacefully at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas with his family by his side on Sunday, December 17, 2023.

He was born October 21, 1949, in Lamar, Colorado, the son of Joseph A. and Kathryn (Godinez) Saenz. He graduated from Great Bend High School and received an associate's degree in welding from Kaw Valley Vo-Tech in Topeka.

Rito was self-employed as the owner of Met-Con Products Company, Inc. in Topeka, Kansas for 52 years.

Rito was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Rito married Jeannie Mar on November 20, 1971 in Emporia, Kansas. She survives, along with their children Rito (Sarah) Saenz of Topeka and his son-in-law Damian Laster; grandchildren Logan, Sullivan, and Kendrick Saenz and Liam, Vaughn and Sydney Laster. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Tanya Laster.

Rito aka Big Rit was always the life of the party. He loved to be around family and friends (most of the time with a cold Budweiser). He was very involved in the Topeka community, and he devoted a lot of time, work, and support to Hayden Catholic High School through the years.

You could often find him at a table playing cards, at the casino, or supporting his grandchildren at their sporting events and whatever activities they were participating in. Rito also loved sharing his passion for hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren. And wherever Rito was, you could guarantee Jeannie wasn't far away.

Rito had a huge heart, was so giving, and helped so many people in so many ways. He also gave the best bear hugs. He was an amazing husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend and will be greatly missed by all.

Rito was cremated. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, December 29th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus Chalice Ceremony conducted at 6:00 p.m. at Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka. A Celebration of Life will follow the visitation at the Hayden High School cafeteria at 401 SW. Gage Boulevard in Topeka. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.

To share a memory of Rito or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.