Retta Irene Rasmussen

Retta Irene Rasmussen, Age 100, passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, July 7, 2022. Surrounded by family in the family home her husband Norman Rasmussen built in 1947. Born September 13, 1921 to parents Fredrick and Charlotte Harling. proceeded in death by her parents, husband, brother Walter Harling, sister Virginia Fafarra, Nephews Larry and Calvin Rasmussen. She is survived by sons, William, Richard and Daniel Rasmussen (Kae Rasmussen), Granddaughter, Clover and Shawna Rasmussen, Charma Brees,   Shannon and Tina Birnberg . Great grandchildren, Collin Holm, Malia Morris and Morgan Duxbury. Nieces, Linda Garret, Sharon Gordon, Carole Fafarra and Sandi Nelson. Nephews, Ralph and Michael       Rasmussen, Terry, Donald and Steven Dickman. Brother-in-law, Edward Fafarra, Cousins Nancy and Larry Torrance. Born and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri, she earned a B.S. Degree in Home Economics from Northwest Missouri State University and moved to Iowa for her first job as Counselor with the Campfire Girls of America. After two years, she took the train alone to Sacramento, Ca, for a better position with Campfire Girls. Knowing no-one, she joined The First Baptist Church of Sacramento, was introduced to and married Norman Rasmussen. They purchased land in the uninhabited outskirts of eastern Sacramento County and built a home. They raised three boys and once the boys were all in school, Retta returned to college and earned her teaching credentials from Sacramento State College. She worked as a substitute teacher in all school districts in Sacramento until she took a permanent position at John Stills Junior High School. After Retta and  Norman retired, they traveled the world, touring across the United States and visiting many countries including Australia, Japan and China. Both active in their church, Retta volunteered for kitchen duty, cooking and cleaning for every event the church held for 30 years, again retiring while in her mid 90’s.  Family, the church and it’s   members filled her life with meaningful purpose and gave her joy. Married to a founding deacon and builder of what is now called, the American River Community Church,  and for all of her faithful service to others, the church named a hall, Rasmussen Hall, in their honor. Retta Rasmussen was a kind and caring person to all and she never had  a bad word to say about anyone. She has earned her just rewards and highly deserves her   honored place in heaven. She will be greatly missed by all who have known her. May she rest in eternal peace.