Erika M. Rasmussen, age 85, of Appleton and formerly of Thiensville, Wisconsin, died on Monday, February 17, 2014 of complications following a stroke. Erika was preceded in death by her husband, L.J. Rasmussen, in 1996, her parents Heinrich and Margaret Preu, and her brothers Hans and Henry Preu. Erika is survived by her five children:…
Continue ReadingErika M. Rasmussen, age 85, of Appleton and formerly of Thiensville, Wisconsin, died on Monday, February 17, 2014 of complications following a stroke. Erika was preceded in death by her husband, L.J. Rasmussen, in 1996, her parents Heinrich and Margaret Preu, and her brothers Hans and Henry Preu.
Erika is survived by her five children: Sue (Chuck) Koehler, Jim (Sue) Rasmussen, Kathy Rasmussen, Dan Rasmussen and Amy Canady; thirteen grandchildren: Jessica (Jake) Kernen, Sara (Ben) Yahr, Lisa (Craig) Ihde, Andy Rasmussen, Steve Rasmussen, Johnny Rasmussen, Cody White, Michael Cornelius, Mitchell Rasmussen, Abby Rasmussen, Laura Canady, Chrissy Canady, and Sasha Canady and four great-grandchildren: Ella Kernen, Olivia Kernen, Elise Kernen and Blake Ihde.
Erika Marie Elizabeth Preu was born in Germany on March 16, 1928. She came to America with her family at the age of two. Her family settled in Wisconsin. Erika grew up on a farm in Crawford County, graduated from Nathan Hale High School in West Allis and attended Ripon College where she met her future husband, L.J. “Rass” Rasmussen. Married on June 18, 1949, Erika and Rass lived in Brown Deer and Thiensville where they were both active in the community.
Erika was active at her church, Grace Lutheran Church and later Fox Point Lutheran Church, where she taught Bethel, served as a lector and even preached some sermons. Erika was one of the original docents at the Milwaukee Public Museum where she volunteered for over 35 years and was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for “Outstanding Commitment to the Mission of the Milwaukee Public Museum for over 35 Years.” During her time there, she led tours of various exhibits, helped institute a program known as 'Noon Walks,' helped with various 'behind the scenes' work and hosted and wrote the script for a fashion show depicting 100 Years of Fashion from 1882 to 1982 in honor and celebration of the Museum's Centennial back in 1982. Following this event, Erika gave lectures on the History of Fashion to various civic groups and other organizations and also taught an interim course at Cardinal Stritch College.
Erika has made a difference and touched the lives of so many people! She will live on in many hearts and memories. She was an amazing woman, wife, mother, daughter, friend and so much more! Most of all, she was greatly loved and will be deeply missed, by her family. Her true joy in life.
The funeral service for Erika will be held at 4:00 pm on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME TRI-COUNTY CHAPEL, 1592 Oneida Street, Menasha. Burial will take place at Highland Memorial Park, New Berlin. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday from 3:00 pm until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Milwaukee Public Museum, Ripon College, The American Heart Association or the Salvation Army. These were organizations that had special meaning for Erika. Online condolences can be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com.
Steve and Judy Gyuro
left a message on March 4, 2014:
To Erika's Family,
We were very sorry to hear that your mom passed away recently. She was a very accomplished woman and a very nice and fun loving lady. We had the honor of meeting her and your dad back in 1987 when they were the king and queen of France in the Circus Parade. We were the king and queen of England in that parade. We kept in touch via Christmas cards for many years, but lost contact with your mom a few years ago. That was probably when she moved from Thiensville to Appleton. Even though we lost track of her, we never forgot her or your dad. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Steve and Judy Gyuro
Sharon Specht
left a message on February 28, 2014:
To Erika's family, I enjoyed taking care of your mom during her stay at the Heritage. We became good friends and shared alot of feelings with each other. Your mom was a very wise and caring person and I will miss our conversations alot. Sorry I could not attend Erika's funeral but she and all of you have been in my prayers.
Take Care,
Sharon CNA
Lynn Stabler
left a message on February 26, 2014:
To Jim and Sue, You have been in my prayers since our MJT found out about the passing of your mother. I know you have many wonderful memories of her. May you find peace through your friends and family at this difficult time. Please remember the Mission Jamaica Team is here to offer support.
We Love you
Jon Bake
left a message on February 24, 2014:
To Jim and Sue. Jim, very sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. I will try and come to the services on Thursday, but in case something comes up, just wanted you to know that Jennifer and I are thinking of you and your family and praying for your Mom.
Diane Preu Chevalier
left a message on February 24, 2014:
To Sue, Jim, Kathy, Dan and Amy, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom, my Aunt Erika. What memories I hold of the times I spent with everyone on our family visits! I wish it had been more often, but it didn't take frequent visits to feel a part of the powerful love your family shared. I wish I could be there, my prayers are with you all.
Love,
Diane
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Linda Findley
left a message on February 23, 2014:
Erika was a pip. Smart, sassy, and with that special "spark" that lit up the room and everyone in it.
I met her at the Milwaukee Public Museum and worked with her on many projects, the last one being "Clue Crew". This is a family activity sheet and treasure hunt going throughout the museum. We still reminisce about the meeting where Erika regaled us with the meanings of the initiation rite of the Warramungas in Australia.
She has been and will be deeply missed.
Sincerely, Linda Findley
Don Kargo
left a message on February 23, 2014:
I had the chance to meet Erika on the shores of Gilbert Lake in Wisconsin outside of Wild Rose a couple of years ago. I immediately sensed she was a very smart and educated woman. I wish I could have had the opportunity to talk with her more after that visit, but will always remember her energy!
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Steve and Judy Gyuro
left a message on March 4, 2014:
To Erika's Family,
We were very sorry to hear that your mom passed away recently. She was a very accomplished woman and a very nice and fun loving lady. We had the honor of meeting her and your dad back in 1987 when they were the king and queen of France in the Circus Parade. We were the king and queen of England in that parade. We kept in touch via Christmas cards for many years, but lost contact with your mom a few years ago. That was probably when she moved from Thiensville to Appleton. Even though we lost track of her, we never forgot her or your dad. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Steve and Judy Gyuro
Sharon Specht
left a message on February 28, 2014:
To Erika's family, I enjoyed taking care of your mom during her stay at the Heritage. We became good friends and shared alot of feelings with each other. Your mom was a very wise and caring person and I will miss our conversations alot. Sorry I could not attend Erika's funeral but she and all of you have been in my prayers.
Take Care,
Sharon CNA
Lynn Stabler
left a message on February 26, 2014:
To Jim and Sue, You have been in my prayers since our MJT found out about the passing of your mother. I know you have many wonderful memories of her. May you find peace through your friends and family at this difficult time. Please remember the Mission Jamaica Team is here to offer support.
We Love you
Jon Bake
left a message on February 24, 2014:
To Jim and Sue. Jim, very sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. I will try and come to the services on Thursday, but in case something comes up, just wanted you to know that Jennifer and I are thinking of you and your family and praying for your Mom.
Diane Preu Chevalier
left a message on February 24, 2014:
To Sue, Jim, Kathy, Dan and Amy, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom, my Aunt Erika. What memories I hold of the times I spent with everyone on our family visits! I wish it had been more often, but it didn't take frequent visits to feel a part of the powerful love your family shared. I wish I could be there, my prayers are with you all.
Love,
Diane
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Linda Findley
left a message on February 23, 2014:
Erika was a pip. Smart, sassy, and with that special "spark" that lit up the room and everyone in it.
I met her at the Milwaukee Public Museum and worked with her on many projects, the last one being "Clue Crew". This is a family activity sheet and treasure hunt going throughout the museum. We still reminisce about the meeting where Erika regaled us with the meanings of the initiation rite of the Warramungas in Australia.
She has been and will be deeply missed.
Sincerely, Linda Findley
Don Kargo
left a message on February 23, 2014:
I had the chance to meet Erika on the shores of Gilbert Lake in Wisconsin outside of Wild Rose a couple of years ago. I immediately sensed she was a very smart and educated woman. I wish I could have had the opportunity to talk with her more after that visit, but will always remember her energy!
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
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