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BORN
1949
DIED
2025
Christine Rasmussen Obituary
Dec 25, 1949 - Jun 25, 2025
In the quiet hours of June 25th, our beloved Christine Ann Rasmussen left us unexpectedly. Though words fall short of capturing the depth of our loss, we remember her with profound love and gratitude.
Born on Christmas Day, 1949, in Seneca Falls, New York, Christine was the cherished daughter of the late Louis and Anna (Morganti) Pagano.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Arthur "Sam" Rasmussen; her sons, Aaron (Jen) of Ohio and Nathan of California; her adored grandchildren, Emma and Drew; her brother, Louis (Gerre) Pagano; and her grand dog, George. She was a loving aunt to many nieces, and a loyal friend to countless more.
Christine, affectionately known as Chris, was the heart of her family - a fiercely loving wife, mother, and Nona. Her greatest pride was her children and grandchildren, whose lives she enriched with unwavering support. She has sat through countless baseball, soccer, basketball, lacrosse games and even a few steel drum concerts, and there is no other place she would rather have been.
As a dedicated educator in the Valparaiso School System for 40 years, Chris's impact was both profound and enduring. In the early years, she taught at Vale Day School and served on the Board of Directors of Opportunity Enterprises and Vale School. She started teaching at Memorial and ended her career at Flint Elementary School. Generations of students, colleagues, and families were shaped by her love for teaching and reading.
Chris was an absolute people person. Her friend group had no boundaries. She had grade school friends, college friends, teaching friends, book club friends, Tri-Kappa friends, neighborhood friends, even the friends she met in the grocery store. Her willingness to give to them was unmatched, if any of them needed something, she would be there.
A service celebrating her life and honoring her legacy will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 2610 N. Campbell Street, Valparaiso, Indiana on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Valpo Schools Foundation, in Chris's name to establish a scholarship for a student pursuing elementary education. www.valposchoolsfoundation.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christine Rasmussen
Sponsored by The Times.
Sue Manago
July 14, 2025
I just heard this and I am stunned and heartbroken. Chris was a very special lady. And Mrs. R was a beloved teacher.I just don't know what to say...
Mike Finley
July 9, 2025
Sam, Aaron and Nathan
Chris was a true gift from God. Whenever someone needed a pick me up talk she was there. Always with just the right words and a smile. Heaven is her reward .
Doug Gray
July 2, 2025
Was Blessed to have Mrs. Rasmussen as my 1st grade teacher at Memorial, she had to straighten me out a few times. Was also fortunate to have Mr. Rasmussen as my Chemistry teacher at VHS. Both have been positive influences on my life. RIP, Mrs. Rasmussen.
Don Bales JR
July 1, 2025
Christine Rasmussen exemplified the ultimate model of someone with a compassionate servant's heart. Every conversation was inspired by smile that was captivating and a conversation filled with uplifting phrases. Chris was the person in the room that all walked away from feeling better about the day.
Kim Karamesines
July 1, 2025
Always loved running into Chris at Town and Country... We would have our catch up time... I´m going to terribly miss her.. May she rest in peace..God bless you, Sam!! With all our love, The Karamesines´ Family
Kathy (Rudd) Howard
July 1, 2025
I had the pleasure of having Mrs. Rasmussen for my first grade teacher at Memorial School. I think my class may have been her first class to teach. She started the school year as Miss Pagano and got married during the school year and became Mrs. Rasmussen. Her new name was quite the struggle for 6&7 year olds to learn how to spell! I am happy to see that our class didn't scare her away from teaching and that she stayed with it and made such a wonderful impact on so many children and adults in her life! Sam, she must have spoke of you often during class because I actually remember that Mrs. Rasmussen's husbands name is Sam! My thoughts and prayers are with you, your sons, and all of the family. May our Lord bring you all peace and comfort in this time of great sorrow!
Becky Funk
July 1, 2025
So sorry to hear about Chris. What a special person she was to all. Thinking of your family at this time.
Elizabeth Chael
July 1, 2025
My deepest sympathy to Sam, the boys and their families, her friends, extended family, and our entire community. Chris was an amazing human being. I knew Chris because she taught my two youngest children in elementary school. My son had some challenges and she was always supportive and willing to listen and help. She was an excellent teacher in and out of the classroom. She listened and gave unbiased and equal consideration to every student and parent. Chris always approached problems with a solution and a smile. After my children were grown, I often ran into Chris at the store or out and about in Valpo. She always greeted me with a big smile, hug and wanted to know how my family was doing and what the kids were up to. She also was so proud to tell me how Sam and all her kids and grandkids were and what they were up to.
Chris, you deserve jewels in your heavenly crown because you sure were a jewel to all who knew you. Rest in God´s loving arms, kiddo. Your work is done. Your smile is now lighting up the heavens!
Carol Kurmis
June 30, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Melissa Goodpaster
June 30, 2025
Not only did this phenomenal lady make an impression as a young person as a teacher you would never forget she was the same for both my children. Deepest sympathy to her beautiful family. RIP!
Tom Workman
June 30, 2025
Had the privilege of volunteering for/with Chris at Flint Lake while she taught. Wonderful lady.
Bob Punter
June 29, 2025
Chris was a remarkable person. She was so friendly and outgoing. I never saw her when she wasn´t smiling. Heaven is so much richer.
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