Laferne Alrene Rasmussen (Plainview)

LaFerne Arlene Rasmussen passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2013 after bravely fighting cancer with grace and dignity. Ferne was born at Plainview, Nebraska on December 27, 1927 to Ted and Esther (Hansen) Johnson. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Plainview. She graduated from Plainview High School in 1944 at 16 years of age. After working for a short period at Fisher’s Grocery in Plainview, she moved to Omaha and worked as an accountant for two years. In 1949, Ferne moved to Norfolk and worked as head cashier at Montgomery Wards and later as a medical secretary for Dr. Val Verges.

It was while working in Norfolk that she met her husband, Darold Rasmussen. The couple married on February 5, 1950 at Bethany Lutheran Church and moved to Plainview in 1952 to begin farming. They worked side by side on the farm as well as in their business, Plainview International, which they owned from 1966 to 1983. Darold and Ferne welcomed three children to their lives, Dan, Jolene, and Gordon.

Ferne served as a scout leader and Sunday School teacher, and held several offices as a member of the Ladies ELCW. She was also a member of the Plainview Legion Auxiliary. She was a woman of strong faith and a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and several Bible study groups. She was a member of the Plainview Country Club and Ladies Golf group, Pitch Club and several other card groups. Ferne always preferred roles “behind the scenes” and was a master organizer and planner. She loved gardening and was an avid reader. She and Darold spent nearly 30 years wintering in Arizona, enjoying retirement playing golf and making wonderful friends.

She ministered many with her wonderful cooking and baking skills. She cooked with love and you could taste it. Ferne was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. With a selflessness that lasted through her final days, Ferne was always there to offer help and love.

Nothing brought her more pride and happiness than being devoted to her family members who are left with great memories and life lessons. They include her husband of 63 years, Darold; children and grandchildren, Dan (Kathryn) of Helena, AL, Becky Rasmussen and Lydia of Houston, TX, Andrew Rasmussen and Sarah Rasmussen of Omaha, NE; Jolene (Roger) Lee of Bloomington, IN, Erin (Erik) Larson of Bellevue, WA and Katie Lee of Seattle, WA; Gordon (Tracy) of Holmen, WI; Jessica (Ryan) Kulinski, Jackson and Jocelyn of Onalaska, WI, Tony Rasmussen of Madison, Wi, Brooke Rasmussen and Makenzi Rasmussen of Holmen, WI. Sisters, Elaine Carpenter of Creighton and Marilyn Parmenter of Plainview. Brother and sister-in-laws, Everett and Delores Rasmussen of St. Cloud, MN, and Curtis and Roberta Rasmussen of Viborg, SD. Nineteen nieces and nephews, an ‘adopted granddaughter’, Laura Petersen, and countless friends.

Memorials may be directed to Asera Hospice, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Plainview Area Health Services Foundation, or Plainview Library.