A Celebration of Life for 82-year old Jo Rasmussen of Rapid City, formerly of Chadron, will be Friday, August 13, 2021, at 1:30 at Grace Episcopal Church in Chadron.
Visitation will begin an hour prior to the servcie.
She will be laid to rest beside her son, William, Monday, August 15, at 11:00 CDT, at the cemetery in Exeter, NE.
Condolences may be sent to Bob Rasmussen, 4825 Jericho Way Apt 314, Rapid City, SD 57702.
Online condolences may be left at www.kirkfuneralhome.com
Memorials may be made to Grace Episcopal Church of Chadron or the American Cancer Society
Joellyn Kay Rasmussen was born in Alliance, NE, September 30, 1938, to William and Mildred Gardner. She passed into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, August 8, following a heart attack.
Jo’s family moved to North Platte, NE, Jo graduated from North Platte High School. She attended Kearney State College, where she enjoyed being a part of musical theater productions as they showcased her beautiful singing voice.
Jo took a hiatus from college after a car accident claimed the life of her father and seriously injured her mother. Upon returning to Kearney State, she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Rasmussen. Jo and Ras, as she called him, were married August 31, 1958. They loved and cared for one another through nearly 63 years of marriage.
After their wedding they moved to Omaha, where Jo worked at Mutual of Omaha while Bob attended the University of Nebraska Medical School. During these lean but beautiful years, they welcomed a son, James Dale, on September 22, 1961.
In 1963 they moved to Chadron, where Bob began his medical practice as a family physician. Following the loss of a newborn son, William, they were blessed with two daughters, Ann Marie on August 8, 1964 and Carrie Jo on May 25, 1967.
Jo was a devoted mother and filled the home with delicious meals, holiday celebrations and family traditions. The family was active at Grace Episcopal Church and were blessed to have God in their lives.
Jo sang in the Chadron Community Chorus, volunteered with the American Cancer Society and was active in PEO.
Jo and Bob enjoyed their many dear friends in Chadron. Joyful memories of ski trips, lake days and community events, like Fur Trade days, were among the many that they shared throughout the years.
As their family grew Jo became a grandmother and found much happiness in her role as “Grammy Jo.” She relished being with her grandchildren and attending their events.
In 2016, Bob and Jo moved to Rapid City and resided at the Legacy Place apartments in the Good Samaritan Village. The new friends they met there made it feel like home. Jo was thrilled to be able to shop in Rapid with her girls and enjoy the beautiful Black Hills.
She loved people and loved to talk to people! Her genuine concern and kindness showed when you spent time with Jo. She made everyone feel loved.
Jo celebrated the recent birth and baptism of great granddaughter, Meilia, and the circle of love continued to grow. It will continue to grow and we will still feel her love, see her smile and thank the Lord for every day we shared.
Jo is preceded in death by her parents; her son, William; and her sister, Pat.
She is remembered by her husband, Bob of Rapid City; son, Jim (Nanette) Rasmussen of Omaha; daughters, Ann (Tim) Hast and Carrie (Kim) Lobato, both of Rapid City; brother, Brian Gardner (Dan) of North Platte; and cherished by grandchildren, Ember and Meagan Rasmussen, Beth (Nathan) Toenjes, Hayden (Kristi) Hast, Sarah Jo (Noah) Storm, Nicole, Paul and Grace Lobato; great grandchildren, Bailey, Kaleb and Meilia; and great-great granddaughter, Abigail.
Kirk Funeral HOme and Cremation Services is in charge of arrrangements.