Laura Lee Rasmus

Laura “Laurie” (Cruikshank) Rasmus, age 62, of Winterset, Iowa, passed away peacefully in Jesus at her home, with her loving family by her side, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Laurie was born on March 13th, 1963, in Springfield, MA, the daughter of Thomas Gordon and Marilyn Jean (Geiger) Cruikshank. Even though she was born in Massachusetts, she always considered herself an Iowa raised gal. Laurie lived in Boone and Shenandoah Iowa while her father pastored churches there. After graduating high school, she attended Northern Iowa University and achieved her B.A. in Visual Arts-Photography. She continued her education at Western Illinois University, achieving her M.A. in outdoor education.

Laurie was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Franklin Rasmus on March 7th, 1992 in Phoenix Arizona. Two daughters were born to this union, Elsa Marie and Sierra Joy. Laurie's nurturing spirit and love for Jesus was seen in all she did. Her love of God’s creation and people was exemplified in her career at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, where she was a program planner for the Land Quality Bureau. Before moving to Iowa, she worked in natural resources conservation at the county level in Illinois while living there for 19 years. While living in Illinois, Laurie became a master gardener, which fueled a passion for native trees, grasses, and flowers. Laurie brought this passion back to Iowa where she had spent her school years.

She was passionate about Iowa, and loved the move back here. Laurie was active in The Table 26 small group bible study and support group at the Lutheran Church of Hope. In all of Laurie’s passions and involvements, she represented Jesus to those around her.

Preceding her in death is her father: Thomas Gordon Cruikshank, and granddaughter: Madeline Ruth Thiemann

Laurie is survived by her loving husband: Bob Rasmus; daughters: Elsa (Jared) Patience of Winterset, Iowa, and Sierra (Jake) Thiemann of Harrison, Ohio; grandchildren: Emma Joy Thiemann and soon-to-be granddaughter Patience; mother: Marilyn Cruikshank of Perry, Iowa; brothers: David (Molly) Cruikshank of Lincoln, NE, and Gary (Liane) Cruikshank of Charlotte, NC; as well as many more relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the Foursquare Gospel Church of Winterset, Iowa.

Services will be held on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025 at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home and Crematory-Winterset Chapel. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. There will be a private interment at the Winterset Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com