Maxine Rasmussen

1929 - 2021

Maxine Rasmussen

February 2, 1929 - May 20, 2021

Maxine Rasmussen, a 92-year-old resident of Burley and formerly of Rupert, passed away Thursday, May 20, 2021, at Highland Estates Assisted Living in Burley.

Maxine was born February 2, 1929, in Rupert, Idaho, the second child born to Sherman Ulysses and Edna Sylvia Christensen Anderson. She received her education in Rupert and graduated from Rupert High School in 1947. She married Melvin Lamar "Moon" Rasmussen in a double wedding ceremony with her older sister, Janice, on October 31, 1947. Maxine and Moon were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 10, 1974.

Following marriage, they were engaged in custom farming in both Idaho and Nevada. In 1972, Maxine was diagnosed with cancer and spent months at University Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. After many months of treatment and an unbelievable amount of time spent in the hospital, she was pronounced cancer-free in 1974. The two years spent valiantly fighting this illness caused Maxine the need to learn how to walk again. Even though it was challenging at times, she showed her ability to stay focused, endure long hours of therapy, and was able to return to a normal way of life.

On June 19, 1978, Maxine lost a big part of her life with the sudden death of her husband, Moon. However, knowing she had to persevere, she started a new career in the healthcare sector working as a ward clerk at Cassia Memorial Hospital. Here, she was known for her hard work ethic and made many lifelong friends. Upon her retirement in 1994, she continued working as a volunteer at the hospital and spent much of her time helping her mother care for her sister, Christine, who was born with Down's syndrome. Maxine was always one to help someone in need.

Maxine simply loved people and was anxious to learn of the accomplishments of her family - whether it be her children, grandchildren, in-laws, nieces, or nephews, she made everyone feel that they were loved by her and that they were an important part of her life. She enjoyed gardening and the daily visits to Forever Friends. A highlight in her life was visiting the New England States with an aunt in 1984 to see the fall colors.

She is survived by her children, Julia LeGault of Pocatello, Cheryl Klosterman of Paul, and Layne (Gayle) Rasmussen and Stan (Betty) Rasmussen both of Burley; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Patricia Anderson Dixon of Kimberly; two sisters-in-law, Lois Rasmussen and Violet Anderson; and a brother-in-law, Allen King.

In addition to her husband, Moon, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, Alan Klosterman; four sisters, Janice Anderson, Shirley King, Christine Anderson, and Diane Anderson; and her brother, Rodney Anderson.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 4, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, where a visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. before the service. Burial will follow at Rupert Cemetery.

A webcast will be available at rasmussenfuneralhome.com.