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Mary Rasmussen Obituary
December 1, 1956 - October 9, 2025
MADISON - Mary Margaret (Waselchuk) Rasmussen died on October 9, 2025, at her home in Madison. She was 68.
Mary was born on December 1, 1956, in Green Bay. She was the daughter of Patricia (Martens) Waselchuk and Dan Waselchuk. Mary graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Green Bay in 1975 and went on to receive a B.A. degree in Music from the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater in 1978. She was an accomplished pianist and, after graduating, re-enrolled to study abroad in Reims, France.
In 1979, Mary married David Rasmussen of Racine. They settled in Elk Grove Village, Ill., in 1981 and moved to Madison in 1991.
Mary was a dedicated elementary music teacher in the Madison School District from 1996 to 2017. She was an active member of Madison Teachers Inc. and earned a Master of Education from Viterbo University in 2006. Mary's passion as a music teacher was obvious and she loved to share music from around the world with her students. Her favorite project was creating an extracurricular marimba band.
Mary was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2018. After her diagnosis, Mary helped produce an annual Art Sale, a fundraiser for the More for Stage IV Fund at the Carbone Cancer Center. Over the years she was involved, the Art Sale raised tens of thousands of dollars for metastatic breast cancer research.
Since 2020, Mary spent much of her time cultivating the beautiful gardens at her daughter's winery, American Wine Project, in Mineral Point.
Mary most loved spending time with her kids and grandkids, and her large and loving extended family. Throughout her adult life, Mary expressed her love through cross stitch. She was a prolific craft artist, making intricate pieces for loved ones to honor important moments in their lives.
Mary is survived by her husband, David Rasmussen; her children, Erin Rasmussen (Matt Poole), Daniel Rasmussen (Jessica Howard) and Amy Rasmussen; and her grandchildren, Dennis and Madelyn. Mary is also survived by eight wonderful siblings, an even larger number of in-laws, and too many nieces and nephews to list here.
Mary's family is deeply grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the UW Hospital and the Carbone Cancer Center at UW Madison.
A Celebration of Life will be held at OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Light food and drink will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Carbone Cancer Center's More for Stage IV Fund.
Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077
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2 Entries
Ann Dettwiler
October 25, 2025
I was a music teacher with Mary and actually taught at Chavez with her a couple years. She lived her family and spoke often about them. I love the photo of her, and think the obit is beautifully done. Speak often amongst yourselves about her as her spirit lives on within each of you. And laugh as you recall fun times shared. My deepest condolences to all.
Julie Mackin
October 19, 2025
I am heart broken for your loss. It was so good to see and talk with Mary at our 50th high school reunion in July. I really felt the need to go visit her so we could catch up more, since our chat at Village Grill was so short. God bless the Rasmussen and Waselchuk families. I know God has called Mary home to her eternal reward.
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