Jane Wanda (Peterson) Rasmussen, 77, of Apple Valley, MN died on Thursday, July 9th at Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St Paul, MN after a long struggle with autoimmune liver disease, complicated by a recent hip fracture. She was born in Waseca, MN on May 5, 1943 to Stanley W. and Anna Mae (Jacobson) Peterson. After attending District 48 School, Waseca County, she graduated from New Richland High School in 1961. She attended her first year of college at Gustavus Adolphus College, St Peter, MN and went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science in 1965 at the University Of Minnesota in St Paul, MN, majoring in Home Economics; Household Equipment. Her first job was with Northern States Power in St Cloud, MN and later as a sporting goods buyer for Target Corporation. She ultimately served as an office manager for Farmers Insurance in Apple Valley for over 40 years before retirement.
She was united in marriage to Donald A. Rasmussen on June 26, 1971 at Vista Lutheran Church in Waseca County, MN. Together they enjoyed collecting Royal Doulton character jugs and figurines. Two of their greatest joys were sharing their home and experiencing exciting Twin Cities adventures for one week each summer with their nine nieces and nephews; Troy Peterson, Tom Peterson, Sandy (Peterson) Tollefson, Tyler Peterson, Eric Knutson, Brian Knutson, Michael Bartholow, Jenny (Bartholow) Tessness and Ryan Bartholow. After her husband died in 1992, Jane continued to host the annual Thanksgiving celebration until she moved to an independent living facility in 2018.
Jane enjoyed all family gatherings, including the card game Pfeffer, time with her Beta Sigma Phi sorority sisters and traveling with family and friends to Europe, Asia and several destinations in the North American continent.
She is survived by two brothers-in-law, Dean Rasmussen, Mankato, MN and Dr. Dennis Knutson, Sioux Falls, SD; two sisters-in-law, Diane (Richard) Bartholow, Waconia, MN and Darlet Peterson, New Richland, MN, her nine nieces and nephews and their spouses, 28 great nieces and nephews, along with many cousins and friends.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband; sister, Mary Ann Knutson; brother, Robert Peterson; nephew, Todd Peterson and great nephew, Preston Peterson. A private memorial service will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband Don. Blessed be her memory.
A special thank you to our Lady of Peace for taking special care of Jane in her final hours. Recommended memorials may be given to Our Lady of Peace, 2076 St Anthony Ave, St Paul, MN 55104 or charity of choice.