"Linda will be greatly missed. She was such a comfort to many and a wonderful friend. I met her through hospice and was a member of her grief group the cracked pots. Pat"
In loving memory of
Linda M. Rasmussen
July 26, 1954 - September 7, 2018
Linda (Lubke) Rasmussen was born on July 26, 1954, to Glenn and Arlene Rasmussen. She graduated from Evansville High School and earned a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
In 1974, she married Carl Sielaff, and their careers took them to Corvallis, Oregon and northern Wisconsin.
A bright inquisitive child, Linda marched to the tune of her own drummer. This independent streak continued into adulthood as Linda embarked on a career in social work, culminating as Hospice Coordinator of Volunteer Services for the Monroe Hospital and Clinics. She was loved by many: her clients, co-workers, hospice volunteers, friends, and of course, her family. Always the organizer and caregiver, Linda developed a protocol and materials for women with stillborn children, a program that enabled dogs to visit the sick and elderly, grief counseling groups, as well as support groups for people who had lost pets.
Linda led a full and active life. She was a sports fan, a political junkie, a piano player, and an avid animal lover. It was while living in the north woods that Linda developed her interest in wolves.
Linda will be greatly missed by her siblings: Karen (Joe) Baumann, Lynette (Ed Tridle) Rasmussen, Randy (Cindy Jensen) Rasmussen, Mark (Mary Cay) Rasmussen, and Denise (Richard) Karis; her 14 nieces and nephews; and her ex-husband, Carl Sielaff. She was preceded in death by her parents and numerous beloved pets.
A memorial will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 206 W. Prospect St., Stoughton. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of the service on Sunday followed by a light luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of your choice, or The Timberwolf Alliance.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
206 W Prospect St. Stoughton
608-873-9244
Tributes
"I first knew Linda through hospice, she was a great comfort, soft voice. I was a part of group known as crock pots. She was fun & caring friend. Miss her. My sympathies. Ann "
"On behalf of the UW-Madison School of Social Work we extend our condolences to our alum Linda's family and friends. "
"Linda and I were in high school together but we didn't really become friends until our first year at UW Madison. We shared some good times and more than a few laughs together while learning all about rocks! She definitly could make me smile. My sincere sympathies to all those who knew and loved her."
"I am so sorry for your loss. I met Linda about 2 years ago at Prairie Park and she made me laugh everyday. She really tried to like my jokes and every once in a while I made her laugh.She helped me in many ways and was so happy for me when I moved to a new apartment. Linda and Laura came to see my new apartment about 3 weeks ago. I loved and admired her so much. She will be missed. Rest in Peace, Linda!"
"Linda was my sister in law for 25 years and my friend for 44 years. She was unique, even kooky at times, and that was one of the things I liked best about her. She was so genuinely and bravely her own person. That was so refreshing and made it delightful to be around her. When I remember her visually I almost always see her smiling or laughing. I experienced her compassion and genuine caring every time she walked up to me, leaned in, looked me right in the eye and said, ?How is Marilyn doing??. This wasn?t a meaningless ?How?s it going? because Linda really cared about and listened to the answer. Linda was not only caring, also honest and brave enough to confront people when they behaved badly instead of just looking away. When we were young she told me that hearing about my work was part of the reason she became a fellow MSW. I was deeply honoured. She became an excellent social worker. We had many interesting discussions of our shared field of work. Unfortunately, her formal work was cut short but her caring, supporting others and organizing around any need continued. When I became too disabled to continue my social work career, one of the first people I called was Linda. We had come full circle. She had become my role model. She showed me how to live bravely and fully no matter the physical limitations. Until the day she died, Linda was an advocate for those with less power and she found a way to make a difference in the world. Linda was a dedicated daughter, sister, aunt, friend, pet owner and champion for all animals. She supported me and loved me through some very difficult times in my life. She was compassionate, spirited and so very genuine. The world is a better place for having had her in it. I will miss her greatly. "
"Linda was one of the very few people in my world that could carry on a good conversation. I will miss her."
"I?ve known Linda for a very short time. I met her at Prairie Park where she lived and played cards with her. She quickly made an impression on me as a compassionate, warm, feisty and intelligent human being and I enjoyed being in her presence very much. She will be missed at Prairie Park. My sincerest condolences to Linda?s family. Kathleen Parker"
"I?ve known Linda for a very short time. I met her at Prairie Park where she lived and played cards with her. She quickly made an impression on me as a compassionate, warm, feisty and intelligent human being and I enjoyed being in her presence very much. She will be missed at Prairie Park. My sincerest condolences to Linda?s family. Kathleen Parker"
"I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Linda was a good friend from my warm water class in Madison. Even when she could no longer participate, we stayed in touch outside of class for over a year. We even tried to form a game-playing group that never really took off, but the participants who did come at her home in Madison laughed often and had a good time. I will miss her calm wisdom and great listening ear. "
"Linda and I were friends during high school Our lives have taken us in different directions, but I always cherished her friendship RIP my friend My sympathy to the family during this difficult time"