Pearl Rasmussen

6/3/1916 – 1/23/2013
Pearl B. Rasmussen, age 96, of Sidney, passed away at her home on Wednesday, January 23, 2013. She was born on June 3, 1916 in Sidney Township, the daughter of Lloyd & Alberta (Fisher) Hodges, weighing just 3 pounds and was incubated by the oven of the kitchen wood stove. She lived in the Stanton and Sidney areas all her life and graduated from Stanton High School in 1934.
During her teen years, Pearl worked with her sister at the restaurant their mother owned in Stanton. It was during this time that Pearl developed a love to cook.
Pearl married Nels Rasmussen on September 24, 1937 and they recently celebrated 75 years of wedded life together. Even though she was a “city girl” Pearl quickly settled into her new life as a farmer’s wife in rural Sidney following their marriage. She was soon milking the cows in the barn and pulling weeds in the garden along side Nels.
Pearl was very active in the Danish Sisterhood Society both as a member and in a leadership capacity. She also served as the president of the Sidney Women’s Club for several years. True to her desire to cook and serve a meal, many delicious dinners were prepared for the members over the years.
Pearl delighted in having children around her and her eyes would light up whenever one would come to visit. Nothing gave Pearl more joy than hosting the holiday family gatherings. Home-made cinnamon rolls, sugar cookies and a variety of pies were memorable highlights of the desserts she served. Huge pans of those cinnamon rolls and a big pot of chili were always ready on opening day of deer hunting for family and friends alike. Many of those favorite recipes are circulating among family and friends today and the tradition continues. She was always willing to share a recipe, but because the recipes were always a little of this and a little of that, the results never turned out the way she did it. Anytime anyone stopped by for a visit, you were always greeted with “are you hungry” as you’re handed a cup of coffee. She was a gracious hostess.
In the early years of their marriage, Pearl helped work the farm and was a homemaker. She loved her Detroit Tigers and stood by them regardless if they were winning or not, although she did not always agree with Sparky Anderson. When her children were all in school, she decided she wanted to work outside the home. To satisfy her love for children and cooking, she took a job at the Stanton School in the cafeteria as a cook and eventually became the head cook at Stanton Elementary. She retired from there in 1984. Her retirement years provided the opportunity for her and Nels to enjoy camping and traveling with friends and family in the fifth wheel. We didn’t find it strange that many of their pictures show Mom stirring the pot over the campfire.
Pearl is survived by her husband, Nels and their daughter, Joyce & Tom Fritz of Sidney, 3 sons, Don & Kathy Rasmussen of Stanton, Dale & Chris Rasmussen of Sidney, Jack Rasmussen & Linda Matthews of Fargo, N. Dakota, 8 grandchildren, Rick Fritz, Brad & Pascale Fritz, Tracey Fritz, all of Sidney, Erik & Amy Rasmussen of Spring Lake, Doug Rasmussen of Lansing, Claire Rasmussen of Portland, Oregon, Kial-Ann Rasmussen of Corvallis, Oregon and Leslie Rasmussen of Fargo, N. Dakota plus step grandchildren, Amy Day of Sheridan and Jennifer Kosten of Grand Rapids. Also surviving are 16 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren, making her a five generation family many times. In addition, her 100 year old sister, Alma Damaska of Stanton, niece Barbara & Larry Parker, nephew Roger & Carol Damaska, many friends and her caregivers, Melody, Dawn and Mistie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law, Mike Damaska, nephew, John Damaska, an infant brother and twin sisters and infant twin great granddaughters Taylor & Emily Pearl Fritz.
In recognition of her love of children, memorial contributions to the White Pine Library for their children’s program would be appreciated. There will be envelopes available at the funeral home.
Funeral services beginning at 11:00 A.M. will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at the Simpson Family Funeral Home in Sheridan with Pastor Kenneth Harger officiating.
Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, January 25th from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. where friends and relatives can meet with the family.
Pearl was loved and cherished by all of her family and her welcoming smile, love and support she gave to each of us will be missed. Those family meals just won’t be the same without her.
On 1/24/2013 Don said:
Mom, thank you for being such a great mother, friend and most of all an example of excellence. I will miss you and love you always!!!!
On 1/24/2013 Michelle Damaska Miller said:
The memories are flooding back. My sister Laura and I would would be over to their house with grandma often when we were younger. I will definately miss her. She was a very special lady.
On 1/24/2013 Steve & Patti Strait said:
Don, Kathy, and Rasmussen Family. I had the opportunity to work with your Mother for many years at Stanton Elementary. She was a wonderful person and a GREAT cook. She spoiled all of us with her great rolls and delicious meals. I I thought the world of your Mother and she always was there when I needed her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Steve & Patti
On 1/24/2013 Robert J. Hodges said:
There are not many couples that get to celebrate their 75th Wedding Anniversary, and Pearl & Nels did. I’ve only known Pearl, my father Leon Hodges’ first cousin, and Nels for the past dozen years, and it had been a distinct pleasure. Pearl was a fine woman. My sincere condolences from Pennsylvania to Nels and all of their children, grand children, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She will certainly be missed by many people.
On 1/24/2013 Shari Johnson said:
I owe much gratitude to Pearl and Nels for the generousity that they bestowed on me many years ago. Both of you are great people. Pearl was always at the helm of her loving family. I remember her food… The best flavored canned green beans I have ever eaten, and she spoiled me for anyone else’s cinnamon rolls. I loved how when anyone set foot in her family room, she had a plate ready for them. Pearl was definately “the hostess with the mostest” I just wanted to let you all know how fond I am of the memories I have from so many years ago, with Pearl & Nels and your family. Shari
On 1/25/2013 Michael French said:
Don & Dale..My sympathies to both of you and your familys with the passing of your mother. From what I read, she must of been a great example to follow. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mike
On 1/25/2013 Del & Suzanne Tucker said:
We have been the happy recipients of Pearl’s cooking as students, colleagues and fellow snowmobilers. We had some memorable winter trips north and Nels and Pearl were,not only,fun to be with, but wonderful role models for us all. Our sincere sympathy to Nels,Don, Joyce and the rest of the family. Del and Suzanne
On 1/26/2013 Laura Mosby said:
Just learned of your loss. May the peace and comfort of the Lord be with you and your family. I will be praying for you.
On 1/28/2013 Opal (Rohn) Fugitt said:
Pearl will be surely missed she was such a nice and generous person Prayers for the family.
On 2/1/2013 beth giulianelli said:
I just heard from Janis that Pearl passed on. I am sorry for your loss. Please know that my prayers are with all of you.