Linda Lea Rasmussen

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” -Galatians 5:22-23

Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend, Linda joined the presence of God on Thursday, December 13, 2018, at 9:54 pm, after a near three-year battle with liver disease. She was next in line for a liver and kidney transplant, but the organs did not come. Her final seventy days were spent with Clyde, her husband of forty-eight years, by her side at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI.

Born October 29th, 1950, in Appleton, WI, and never straying far from this place, Linda lived a life of love. Despite fighting in a battle for her life, for as long as she was able, Linda also fought for others the only way she could; through prayer. Until Linda was intubated for her last thirty days which finally made talking a physical impossibility, you could hear her voice, albeit weakened and faint, praying aloud with Clyde each night for their 3 sons, 9 grandchildren, her brother, her sister, and countless extended family members and friends.

Linda embodied love through service. An avid volunteer at Calvary Bible Church, she was often found preparing meals in the kitchen, befriending groups of teens, or serving behind the scenes in a variety of roles. She was also always taking advantage of opportunities to love her neighbors and ministering to those outside the church as well.

The doors to her home and the windows to her heart were always wide open. Nobody was turned away and often she invited people to stay, whether for a meal, or a room and an extended place to call “home.” Friends and strangers alike found comfort in her home. Linda was a cheerleader, friend and a source of support to those in need, regardless of their story. Her home was filled with love for anyone who needed it.

Linda was characterized by joy and peace. Her smile was contagious and pierced the hearts of strangers. She thought of others with a giving spirit and inspired others to be thankful for the blessings in their own lives. Linda brought peace to those who were shaken. She listened with intent and cared deeply for the concerns of others. Whether you needed laughter, an empathetic response, or heartfelt prayer, Linda sought for you to know and be overcome by peace.

Ultimately, Linda lived out the love of Christ for others with eternity in mind. She was ready to always give an answer for her peace, despite anything she had negatively experienced. Linda pushed through health challenges, physical limitations and adversity to model in her own life what God can do to change a soul. Her greatest joy was humbly guiding her husband and children to the Lord, where they found eternal peace in their own lives through Jesus Christ.

“Peace, Love, and Joy.” Cliché words to some, but to Linda, a true child of the 60s, these three fruits of the spirit guided her in life and allowed her to confidently approach the throne of grace in her death. We are thankful for her legacy, and confident that she is enjoying a grand celebration in the presence of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, healed, whole, new, and certainly giggling away joyfully, as only Linda can.

A memorial service to celebrate Linda’s life and legacy will be held at Calvary Bible Church located at 1450 Oak Ridge Road in Neenah, on Saturday, December 29, 2018, at 11:00 am. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service, and again for refreshments and a light lunch immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider offering a charitable donation to Kathy’s House (http://www.kathys-house.org/support-us/donate). Kathy’s House provided Clyde a true “home away from home” to stay while he was caring for Linda during her last stay at the Froedtert Hospital. Your donation will help other patients and/or their caregivers who are dealing with long term needs like housing.

If providing financial support in the form of a charitable donation to Kathy’s House is not possible, the family would encourage you to consider being an organ donor, if you are not already. Our hope is that other families in need might receive lifesaving opportunities because of your decision to donate. See the following to find out more: https://www.organdonor.gov/register.html