MaryAnn (Nordlee) Rasmussen, 80, of Chetek, formerly Barron, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Sacred Heart in Eau Claire.

Mary was born May 27, 1943, in Rice Lake, to Ralph and Inga (Erickson) Nordlee, joining her brother Charles. She graduated from Chetek High School in 1961. She then attended vocational school.

MaryAnn married Donald Rasmussen on October 26, 1963 at New Scandinavia Lutheran Church. They farmed in Wickware, raising three daughters, before farming at the Yellow Barn, where she babysat her grandchildren often, spoiling them with cookies and homemade meals.

Mary enjoyed country music, and played accordion, guitar and piano. She attended many shows in Sandstone, MN and Branson, MO. She enjoyed breakfast with friends, attended Circle/Ladies Aid, and looked forward to monthly lunches with her siblings-in-law. Another favorite pastime involved grocery shopping with her granddaughter “the warden”, with a stop at Culver’s on the way home.

A wonderfully good-natured mother, farm wife and best grandmother of all time, MaryAnn lives on through the good deeds and kind hearts of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The pretty baubles and heirloom rings she wore paled in comparison to her bright spirit. Although often stubborn, she brought warmth and laughter to every interaction.

MaryAnn is survived by daughters, Kristi (Rocky) Hilbert of Barron, Lisa Nelson of Rice Lake, Linda (Dan) Holmstrom of Barron; grandchildren, Nicole (Brian) Rasmussen, Matthew and Sara (Nate) Nelson, Katie (Travis) Bieniek and Jonathon (Ralicia) Hilbert; sisters-in-law, Donna (Gilbert) Wohlk of Almena, Carol Solie, of Chetek, Joyce Kringle, of Rice Lake, and Lenore (Dennis) Robinson, of Rice Lake; brothers-in-law, Larry (Toni) Rasmussen, of Chetek and Warren (Debbie) Rasmussen of Cameron; step-grandchildren, Raelene (Mike) Hoff, Ralicia (Jonny) Hilbert, Racquel (Romaine) Quinn, Brady Holmstrom; five great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren, with one great-grandchild and one step-great-grandchild on the way.

Waiting for her are her parents; husband, Donald; brother, Charles; son-in-law, Petr Nelson; brothers-in-law, Don Kringle and Clifford Solie.

Services for MaryAnn Rasmussen will be held on January 29, 2024 at New Scandinavia Lutheran Church near Dallas at 11 a.m. with visitation prior to the service from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held at New Scandinavia Lutheran Church Cemetery in spring.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Jan 22, 2024 10:04 am CST