Martha Rasmussen, 92

Published 11:01 am Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Martha Irene (Lyngaas) Rasmussen was born on March 11, 1920, to Emma Bertina (Jacobson) and Ingvald Otto Lyngaas. She grew up on a farm near Twin Lakes with six sisters and one brother. Martha was baptized and confirmed at Lunder Lutheran Church and attended country school with her sisters and brother.

Rasmussen

Martha married John Rasmussen on Oct. 27, 1949. They have four children: Eugene, Donald, Gordon and Cindy. Martha was a homemaker and provided a loving home for her husband, children and extended family. She was a wonderful cook and everyone enjoyed her many homemade baked goods!

Preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; son-in-law, Clemmet Peterson; granddaughter, Erica Rasmussen; and her siblings: Jorgina (Melvin) Overland, Olga (Kenneth) Joachim, Helen (Oliver) Freitag, Clara (Roy) Mallon, Ida (Thomas) Henderson and Oliver Lyngaas; and brothers-in-law: Truman Bergland and Maynard Rasmussen.

Martha is survived by her children: Eugene (Linda), Donald (Kimberly), Gordon (Julie) and Cindy; eight grandchildren: John David (Kirsten) Rasmussen, Denise (Jon) Wahlgren, Al Rasmussen, Andrew (Jen) Rasmussen, Amanda (Aaron) Rasmussen, Tavis (Tracy) Bolinger, Jason (Stephanie) Bolinger and Ryan Rasmussen; great-grandchildren: Jonathan, Michaela, Jack, Hannah, Hunter, Alexander, Loki, Jacob, Levi, Anthony, Taylor, Josie, Ike, Jorja and Ila. Her dear sister, Gladys Bergland; sister-in-law, Beverly Rasmussen; as well as many special nieces, nephews and cousins, also survives her.

Martha was always very committed to family. She graciously welcomed family and friends into our home and was responsible for many gatherings for lunch, dinner and afternoon coffee and sweets. She had a positive attitude and a delightful sense of humor, which she shared with all. Martha – mom, granny, sister, auntie and friend – will be deeply missed. XO!

Martha died Tuesday morning, March 20, 2012, at St John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea. She was 92 years of age.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the East Freeborn Lutheran Church of Albert Lea. The Rev. Matthew Griggs will officiate. Friends may greet the family from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday evening and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Lunder Lutheran Cemetery, rural Albert Lea.

A special thank you to St. John’s and Crossroads Community Hospice staff.