Irene Daisy Rasmussen, 82, a long-time resident of rural Dresser and recently of River Bend, died December 17, 2012, at Willow Ridge nursing home. Irene was born May 7, 1930, in Bone Lake, Wisconsin, one of six children, to Daisy and Edwin Shirley. Growing up, she did much work helping her family on their farm. Irene attended The Pioneer School and after graduating from Luck High School in 1948, she began living in Balsam Lake and worked for 39 years until retirement at the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Services office for Polk County. On May 23, 1953, she was united in marriage to Floyd Rasmussen at the Bone Lake Lutheran Church.
For many years Irene was an active member of the Ubet Homemakers and the Trinity Lutheran Church. She loved flowers and always grew them both on their farm and at their retirement home on Bear Lake. Irene made many quilts where she would embroider the design panels and her sister would sew the pieces together. In particular, Irene loved family gatherings and always hosted holiday and birthday celebrations. She kept track of everyone's birthdays and would always mail out a card. Her primary focus was to support her children in their endeavors and encouraging their life pursuits.
Irene is preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Kenneth, Myron, and Wesley. Left to mourn is husband, Floyd; son, Lee Rasmussen, daughters Susan (Dale) Olson, and Shirley (Tom) Schmidt. Grandchildren Carolee (Mike) Swanson, Brad (Jeanna) Rasmussen, Elizabeth Rasmussen, Marie (Catlan) Rusch, Stephanie Olson, and Hayley Olson. Great-grandchildren Brett Swanson, Theodore Rasmussen, and Gwen Rasmussen. Also, her brother Wayne (Patsy) Shirley and sister Carol (Mike) McDonough as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Garfield. There will be a time of visitation for the hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will take place at a later time at El Salem Cemetery.