TRAVERSE CITY - Norma Mary Rasmussen, 95, of Traverse City, passed away on Nov. 24, 2016. Norma was born on April 5, 1921 in Traverse City, to the late Arthur Thomas and Eliza Jane (Carroll) McManus.
Norma graduated from St. Francis High School and in 1944 graduated from Mercy Central School of Nursing and worked at Munson Medical Center until retiring in 1970.
She married William E. Rasmussen on Aug. 15, 1946 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mapleton. The couple raised five children together and celebrated 52 years of marriage.
She was a member of St. Francis Church where she served as the Eucharistic Minister. Norma also volunteered for the American Cancer Society, Red Cross, TC Community Chest.
Norma is survived by her children; daughters, Margaret A. (Peter) Zabinski, Beth M. (Kent) Walton, Rebecca L. Rasmussen; sons, William T. Rasmussen, Dr. Randall L. (Tina) Rasmussen; 12 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband William in 1998, and 7 brothers and 3 sisters.
Norma was the only one out of her 10 siblings that went to college. She always instilled a good education to all her children.
She always remained true to her farming roots; respectful of Mother Nature, and aware of each seasons blessings and trials. She lived 95 years of enjoying family and friends, caring and helpful to all.
Liking the warm weather, later in life Norma and Bill spent winters in Florida. Now closer to the sun and back with Bill, he will make sure his bride is never cold again.
Visitation will be held for family and friends at St. Francis Catholic Church on Thursday Dec. 1, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. with a rosary prayed at 7 p.m., a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the church on Friday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. with a visitation held one hour prior.
Memorial contributions in Norma's name may be directed to Father Fred and the Old Mission American Legion Hall Post 399 . Special thanks to the staff at French Manor Senior Living.
Please share your thoughts and memories with Norma's family by way of her online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.