Linda L. Rasmussen, 82, of Altoona, formerly of Sheboygan, WI, passed away on Sunday,
September 29, 2024.
Linda Rasmussen-in her own words:
I was born in Oregon, Illinois on August 23, 1942 to John and Nell Thomas – my father a farmer,
my mother a teacher. My parents were wonderful people who passed on to me a good work
ethic, love of reading, and a tremendous sense of humor which has both delighted and annoyed
my family, friends, and acquaintances throughout my life. My glass has always been half full,
never half-empty. Laughter came very easily to me. I had one sister, Ann, who along with my
daughter, were my two best friends. I had a superb childhood with Ann, playing in the woods
and orchard, making tree houses, dressing up our cats, and playing paper dolls. As we grew
older, Ann played the piano and I sang at various functions of our parents. Needless to say, there
was a mass exodus to the door when we sat down to perform and the membership of those
groups rapidly dwindled.
I married John Rasmussen (son of a farmer) on October 20 or 21 of 1962. We met in high school
and our first date was a homecoming dance. We moved to Milwaukee and lived in Wisconsin the
rest of my life. From the Bears to the Packers was an easy move! During the summer John and I
loved working in our huge vegetable garden and flower beds. During the cold Wisconsin winters
we would sit in the living room in front of the fireplace with our tea and popcorn. I would read
and think up nefarious tricks to play on friends and my grandchildren and John would watch T.V.
I graduated from Lakeland College in 1976 and began working at Vollrath Company that
December. I worked in Marketing and enjoyed my job and the many people that I met. I worked
there for 23 years, retiring in 1999 to a joyous life. I did puppet ministry at St. Peter Lutheran
Church and also did other various and Sunday things there (even sneaking into the choir and
bellowing out a few songs now and then). Being a St. Peter Nun – Sister Mary Amnesia was a
great experience. Also the Red Hat Ladies Society added to the fun and enjoyment of my life. I
loved my church and the people in it. I derived great comfort and enjoyment from it. My many
friends have also given me great happiness and satisfaction, along with lots of laughter, pranks,
and fun.
John and I were fortunate to have two wonderful children – Melyssa and Jack. Melyssa married
the world’s greatest son-in-law (Bob) and Jack the world’s best daughter-in-law (Jillian). I have
four grandsons, Robert (Christina), Ryan (Natalie), Eric (Abi); and John (Robyn) from Melyssa;
and twins – Ivan and Gabrielle, and a third – little Pink from Jack and one great-granddaughter
Maggie. SUCH BLESSINGS. My family is the jewels and wealth of my life – they all are the
spice, the stars, and the sun.
They give me laughter, love, delight and everything else that is good in life. I have been truly
loved and blessed through them. I thank them for everything they have given me and done for
me.
My life has been good – sometimes better than others, sometimes worse. All in all, it has been
wonderful. I have few regrets. I thank each and every one of you for what you gave to me. I look
forward to seeing Big John, Mom, Dad, Aunt Mary and many friends, when I am with the Lord.
We will be having a Celebration of Life later this fall and will put information about this on her
Facebook page and funeral website www.zimmerfuneralhome.com.
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