Steven A. Rasmussen

MADISON, WI - Steven A. Rasmussen, of Madison, WI, passed away on December 31, 2025 at age 79. Steve was known for his gentle soul, ready laugh, and devotion to his family and friends.

Steve was born on July 6, 1946, the second of eight children of Nathaniel and Mary Ann Rasmussen. Growing up in the boisterous and loving milieu of the Rasmussen clan gave Steve ample opportunity to delight in the antics of others, a lifelong joy. He graduated from Dodgeville High School where he was State Champion in the 100-yard dash and a self-proclaimed "bench warmer" of the 1964 State Champion Dodger Basketball Team.

Steve attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was a lifelong Badger fan. He graduated with a degree in mathematics at the height of the Vietnam War in which he served as an artillery fire direction control specialist.

After the war, Steve settled in Madison and had the good fortune of living in the same apartment complex as a beautiful woman named Jane Breckenfelder who carried around computer punch cards and drove a Super Beetle. Knowing a good thing when he saw it, he married her in 1975. They made their home in the Vilas neighborhood, raising two children.

Steve enjoyed the outdoors and regularly participated in long-distance events and activities, including the American Birkebeiner, the Syttende Mai, and summiting Longs Peak. Steve worked in various technology roles, eventually becoming chief information officer for AgSource, but his family was always his first priority.

After a long battle with cancer, Jane left this earth in 2004. In no uncertain terms, she directed Steve to find a new partner.

Proving that lightning can strike twice, Steve met Mimi Killpack, a joyful and life-loving soul, in 2008. They shared many laughs, meals, bike rides (including through Cuba and down the Haleakalā volcano in Hawaii), and travels. He was an agreeable and easygoing companion, and was always “game” for anything Mimi would come up with.

The family of Steve thanks Dr. Mary Feider of the VA Hospital in Madison for her dedication as Steve progressed through Parkinsonism, a condition caused by his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

Steve is survived by his son, Nick (Louise), and grandchildren Halley and Annabelle of Fairfax, CA; daughter, Beth Kelly (Kieran), and grandchildren Jack and Laurel of San Francisco, CA; grandchildren; his dear partner and friend, Mimi Killpack of Madison, and her son Logan (Megan) and grandchild Oakley, her daughter Tess (Ian Neill) and grandchildren Rowan and Finn, and her daughter Emily Walkowski (Ian) and grandchild Quinn; siblings, Susan (Sam) Goodman, Peg (Walt) Schroeder, Eric (Nanette) Rasmussen, Christine (Bob) Gunderson, Karen (Scott) Weier, Paul (Kare) Rasmussen, and Clare (Dick) Radtke; by Jane’s four siblings who remained family to Steve; myriad nieces and nephews; and by many lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Jane (Breckenfelder) Rasmussen, who unquestionably has a full agenda prepared for his arrival in the great beyond.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin or Dryhootch, a charity supporting veterans.

A memorial gathering will be held for Steve on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI 53705.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434