Shirley M. (Goetz) Rasmussen

On Friday, December 23, 2011, Shirley M. Rasmussen, surrounded by her loving family, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whom she so faithfully served for 83 years. Born on June 7, 1928, in Racine, to the late Herbert and Irene (nee:Hybers) Goetz, Shirley was a lifelong resident of Racine.

On October 11, 1947, she was united in marriage to James C Rasmussen, who preceded her in death on April 22. 2001. A lover of cooking and food, Shirley and James owned and operated the Driftwood Restaurant; she later was employed with the Spinning Wheel and Famous Recipe Chicken. She was also employed with Zahn’s Department Store and Brill’s Men Clothing Store.

The ultimate host, Shirley enjoyed all things related to the home including cooking, baking and gardening. She was an avid reader and loved crafts including ceramics, painting, knitting and sewing. A long-time member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Shirley was a tireless steward of the food pantry and also was a “ringer” in the bell choir. In retirement she volunteered with Habit for Humanity, joined Jazzercise, and worked part time at Klema Feeds. Above all, Shirley’s greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother and great Grandmother.

Shirley is survived by her four children, Sandra (George) Alexander, James W Rasmussen, Jodi (Phil) Krembs, and Paul (Shelly) Rasmussen; five grandchildren, Faith (John) Wilson, Ryan (Sharon) Alexander, Amanda Rasmussen, Erin Krembs and Max Krembs; three great-grandchildren, Tyler Wilson, Connor Wilson, and Ashley Wilson;, a sister, Jewel (Ron) Sammis of Taylors, SC; and a sister-in-law, Janet Haigh of Sarasota, Florida; nieces, nephews and other relatives. In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was also preceded in death by her sisters, Joyce Frank and Jean Owen; brother, Herbert Goetz; in –laws, Agnes and Clarence Rasmussen; and brother-in-law, Burton Haigh.

A Memorial service will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 725 High St., Thursday, December 29, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Susan Smith officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donation to the food bank at Emanuel Lutheran Church.

The family would like to thank her dear friends Orville and Ginny Brask, Gary Randall and Sue Renquist, and neighbor Steve and Sherry Guziak for their friendship to Shirley, as well as the ICU staff of Wheaton Franciscan All Saints, in particular respiratory therapist Mike Deschler and Physician Iftekhar Bader for their care and concern for Shirley in her final days.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888