Belva H. Rasmussen, a revolutionary force in community banking and a passionate advocate for her community, passed away peacefully on September 16th at English Rose Suites in Edina, MN after a long battle with dementia. Belva was 86 years old. Born on October 21, 1937, in Oranjestad, Aruba, Belva’s life was a testament to the power of authenticity, the importance of human connection, and the profound impact one person can have by living their values.
Belva's life was deeply rooted in relationships, from the intimate bond she shared with her husband, Walter, to the vast network of friends, family, colleagues, and community members she embraced throughout her life. It was this unwavering focus on people, that defined her personal and professional journeys, shaping her into the extraordinary woman she was.
Belva left Aruba at sixteen to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Beaver College in Pennsylvania. Her career path was anything but conventional, taking her from the Lago oil refinery in Aruba to the halls of the United Nations in New York City.
In the 1960s Belva met Walter, a charismatic entrepreneur who shared her passion for experiencing life and connecting with people. They married in 1968, embarking on a remarkable journey that would transform Northeast Bank and leave an indelible mark on the Twin Cities.
Following Walter's passing in 1991, Belva assumed leadership of Northeast Bank. She combined her business acumen with her passion for people and surrounded herself with a strong team to build Northeast Bank into the thriving community institution it is today. She firmly believed that a business, particularly a community bank, had a responsibility to uplift the communities it served – not just through financial services but through genuine human connection and unwavering support.
Belva dedicated her time, energy, and resources to causes she cared about. She was instrumental in establishing the Walter C. Rasmussen-Northeast Bank Foundation in 1993. She served on the Board of Directors of the Walker Art Museum and was a staunch supporter of the Minnesota Orchestra, ensuring that their music reached beyond the confines of Orchestra Hall. Her focus on highlighting the arts in Northeast Minneapolis helped foster the development of the now thriving Northeast Minneapolis Arts District.
Belva's love for life was contagious. One to never miss a sunset, she embraced every moment, whether it was singing and dancing to Latin music with a glass of her favorite wine or sharing stories and laughter with her family and friends at her home on the Mississippi River. She understood that life is a precious gift, meant to be savored and shared.
Belva leaves behind her devoted son Benjamin (Eva); grandchildren, Julia and Max Rasmussen and Liz Hoch (Jim); niece, Gail; nephews, Dwight and Brendan (Christine); and many other loving relatives. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter C. Rasmussen; her parents, Benjamin and Henriette Henriquez; her brothers, Bert, Ronald, and Milton; and her nephew Milton Jr.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 in the Walter C. Rasmussen Community Room at the Minneapolis location of Northeast Bank from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM to honor Belva's legacy. A brief program will be held at 11:00 AM. The bank is located at 77 Broadway St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Walter C. Rasmussen-Northeast Bank Foundation, which supports our local community, at: www.nebankmn.com/foundation
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIOCOMPARTA
v.1.12.1