Thelma Rasmussen

MADISON
Long-time Madison resident and active First Baptist Church member, Thelma Rasmussen, passed away in her sleep on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at the age of 96. Thelma joined the First Baptist Church in 1929 and, at the time of her death, had belonged to the church longer than any other member. Thelma was born on October 31, 1918, on a farm near Pardeeville, Wisconsin, the oldest of three children born to Osmyn and Nellie (Stone) Allen. She was always proud of her Welsh heritage.

The Allen family moved to Madison in 1922, when Osmyn got a job with the License Division of the Motor Vehicle Department. Thelma attended Madison West High School, where she played the cello in the orchestra. After graduating, she enrolled in the University of Wisconsin at Madison; and in 1940 she received a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics.

During her time at the University, Thelma met her future husband, Harold Rasmussen, at the Wayland Club, an outreach program of the Baptist campus ministry. Thelma and Harold were married on September 21, 1940. After living in various locations, the couple settled in Madison in 1947 and lived in the same house throughout the more than 71 years of their married life together. Thelma continued to live at the same residence after Harold passed away in 2012. Recently she moved into an assisted living apartment at Oakwood Village, where she lived until the time of her death.

Thelma worked for more than 20 years with Church Day Nurseries at the First Baptist Church, and later volunteered as a child-care worker for the children of international students whose wives attended English classes at the church.

Harold and Thelma were active members of the First Baptist Church in Madison from the time they met as students at the University of Wisconsin. They both sang in the church choir for over 50 years and served on various church boards and committees.

Thelma enjoyed sewing, reading--especially mysteries and historical novels--and travel with the Friendship Force and Elder Hostels. She and Harold were also avid fans of Wisconsin sports. Before Major League baseball came to Milwaukee in 1954, Thelma followed the Chicago Cubs on WLS radio.

Thelma is survived by a son, Bruce (Maricela) Rasmussen; a daughter, Lynell (Phil) Raiche; four grandchildren, Clark (Barbara) Baily, Erika (Mike) Lauson, Nathaniel Raiche, Jakki (Mike) Perry; and four great-grandchildren, Justin Baily, Carissa and Casey Lauson, and Joshua Wright, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to especially thank Syndi Dobson, in-home care provider with Independent Living, for all the devoted attention and care she provided to Thelma over the past years, as well as the staff at Oakwood Village where she spent her final weeks.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to the Cress Funeral and Cremation Service.

A memorial service for Thelma will be held at the First Baptist Church of Madison on Friday, July 17, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorials to First Baptist Church, Madison.

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