Judith “Judy” Ann Rasmussen, 76, died Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 in her home surrounded by her husband and children.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church on Friday. Father John Lantsberger will be the celebrant. Music will be provided by Jane Rokusek as organist with Kathy Witte Holmes as soloist/song leader.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., with a 7 p.m. scripture service, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, at Wight & Comes Funeral Home in Watertown
Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Watertown.
Honorary pallbearers will be her co-workers and friends.
Active pallbearers will be Judy’s grandsons: Brett Rasmussen, Jason Korbel, Tanner Chilson, and Corbin Chilson, her grandson by marriage, Matt Cadwell, and good family friend, Doug Neuendorf.
Judy was born to Burdette and Lillian (Millette) Amundson in Elk Pointon March 4, 1940. She went to high school in Vermillion, SD, and graduated in 1958. She married the love of her life, Maynard Rasmussen, on March 13, 1959. Together they raised one son and two daughters. In 1970, the family moved from Vermillion to Watertown. Judy worked various jobs in Watertown including Michaels & Burke’s, Klein’s, and Worth Repeating, where she exhibited her creativity and eye for design.
Judy’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She would travel to the ends of the Earth to support her children and grandchildren in their many activities.
She excelled at combing the clothing racks to find the best deals in the store and the perfect gift for others.
She enjoyed baking and frosting delicious sugar cookies for every holiday, keeping a clean and well-organized home; going for long walks at a swift pace; and living a faith filled life.
In January of 2015, Judy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through a courageous two year battle with the disease.
Judy was a loving wife, a comforting mother, a devoted sister, a proud grandmother, and a true and loyal friend. She loved so many and many loved her in return. She had a special way of making everyone she came in contact with feel special. A part of all of us went with her when God called her Home.
Judy is survived by her husband, Maynard; her children, John (Laurie) Rasmussen, Volga; Ann Rasmussen, Watertown; Sherisse (Steve) Chilson, Watertown; five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Her sisters, Sally Gant ,Green Valley, Ariz.; Ida Lou (Paul) Horner, Lincoln, Neb. and Sandra Amundsen, Shertz, Texas; her brother, Dean Amundson, Vermillion.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Burdette and Lillian; brothers, Arden Amundson, Gerald (Bud) Amundson and Larry Amundson. Her sister, Arlys Gant, and her grandson, Nathan Allen Korbel.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all who provided meals to the family on the Meal Train and to the caring hospice nurses and staff.
