Racine Rasmussen

Racine Rasmussen, 83, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. She was born on March 20, 1941 in Hillsboro, Alabama, the daughter of Roy Lee and Thelma Garrison, both deceased. Growing up on a farm in Alabama, she later moved to Michigan where she spent the remainder of her life. She is survived by sisters Becky (Phillip) Gillespie, Vickie (David) McCullough, and Melinda (Stanley) Allen, daughters Lynn (Yasushi) Ishikawa, Lisa (James) McMahon, step-son David (MaryAnn) Rasmussen, grandchildren Aubree McMahon (Jeremy Friedman), Grace McMahon, Matthew McMahon, and Ty Ishikawa, step-grandchildren Marina (Zach) Yarnoff, Emmaline Rasmussen, and Stephanie (Jake) Akman, two step-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Cline, Rod, and Forrest Garrison, and sisters Annie Sue Hill, Nelda Kennedy, Betty VanDerSlik, and Glenda Garrison. In her last years and at the end of her life, she was lovingly cared for by the staff at Portland Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Often called Racy by those who knew her well, she was a fun-loving and devoted mother, sister, grandma, aunt, and friend who took pride in her open-minded, down-to-earth, and youthful attitude. In 1966, she met Robert Rasmussen at Airway Lanes in Kalamazoo, Michigan where she was in a bowling league. After marrying, they moved to Traverse City, eventually building a home in Huron Hills, where they lived until their divorce in 1985. Neighbors in Huron Hills became treasured friends, as did members of the Rasmussen family, with whom Racine maintained close contact long after her divorce. Her beloved confidant and partner-in-crime, Karen Burns, was Bob's youngest sister and a cherished source of friendship, support, and laughter until her death in 2016. Together they went to many garage sales or took the kids to Lake Michigan for a day at the beach, stopping at whatever local festival they passed along the way.

Racine graduated from Lawrence County High School in Moulton, Alabama and soon began a flight attendant training program at a time when the rules for flight attendants restricted weight, appearance, and behavior. Despite graduating at the top of her class, she dropped out of the program before being stationed. When Lynn and Lisa were in elementary school, she began working outside the home, first for Dr. Arnold Sarya, later for attorneys John Blakeslee and Steve Chambers, and finally for Century Specialties. She made long lasting friendships at each job, a testament to her kindness and genuine love of people.

As a resident of Traverse City, Racine was a committed member of Central United Methodist Church where she volunteered and worshiped with dear friends, remaining in touch even after leaving TC. She donated generously to several causes, especially those related to children and animals, and she adored her grandchildren and the many pets in her later life, including Sam, Cali, Max, Claudia Jean, Poncho, and Vern the tortoise.

Racine's smile, lack of pretension, natural curiosity, and sense of fun stood out to all she met.

A service celebrating Racine's life will be held on March 8 at 2 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City. Visitation will begin at the church one hour prior to the service.

Those wishing to make a donation in Racine's name are encouraged to consider their local animal shelter, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.