Irene Rasmussen

Madison - Irene Josephine Rasmussen, 96, passed away on July 13, 2016 in Madison.

Irene was born on Sept. 1, 1919 to Hans and Ida Benson in Blooming Grove, Wisconsin. She grew up in Stoughton, Wisconsin where her father, who immigrated from Norway, worked as a farm hand and later for Stoughton Trailers. She and her older sister Adeline spoke Norwegian better than English when they first attended Starr school on Starr School Road. After graduating from Stoughton High School, Irene worked at several secretarial jobs in Madison until the birth of her first son. She married Paul William Rasmussen on Dec. 20, 1947 and lived in Madison thereafter. After her two sons began junior high school she worked as an assistant in the West High School library where she remained for many years. Irene and Paul shared a lifelong interest in hiking, camping, music, and theater. Irene was also an avid reader, knitter, quilter, and seamstress.

Irene is survived by her son, Paul, his wife Maria Barlow, and their sons Andrew and Christian, her sister-in-law, Elsie Peterson (98), and her brother-in-law, Earl Schiefelbein (95). She was preceded in death by her siblings, Adeline Schiefelbein, Harven Benson, and Joan Collins, by her son, David Benson Rasmussen (in 1967), and by a grandson, Jonathan David Rasmussen (in 1988). Irene was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and a good friend to many.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at Advent Lutheran Church, 7118 Old Sauk Road, Madison. Burial will be in Norway Grove Cemetery in DeForest. Memorials may be made to Advent Lutheran Church, Madison; Segoe Gardens Assisted Living, Inc. c/o Independent Living, Inc. 2970 Chapel Valley Road, Suite 203, Madison, WI 54711; or Agrace HospiceCare, Madison.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434