Wilma Laverne Rasmussen

Wilma LaVerne Rasmussen, 86yrs, of University Park FL, passed away March 11 after battling complications of Alzheimer ’s disease. Daughter of the late David Bradley Tew and Wilhemina Tew Pipkin, LaVerne was raised in Goldsboro NC. A graduate of Watts School of Nursing at Duke University in 1951, LaVerne married her soldier Richard James (Dick) Rasmussen on July 18,1952 at St Paul Methodist Church, Goldsboro NC. She began her life as a “Northerner” and as newlyweds in Waukesha WI. Together they raised their family and became involved in every community they lived. From Waukesha WI they moved on to Madison WI, Minneapolis MN, Philadelphia PA, Charlotte NC and retired to the Tampa FL area. LaVerne loved nursing and continued working for many years. She particularly loved caring for infants and children in the pediatrics unit. Her passions were family, friends, bridge, church, travel, PEO and the beaches of NC. They loved their visits to London, Madrid, Norway & Denmark and Germany as well as many other places. LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband Richard on Sept 24,2014, her parents and her beloved sister Francis Ann Tew Harrold. She is survived by her children and caregivers Janet (Steven) Knoten and Jim Rasmussen. She is also survived by her 7 nieces and nephews and their families and many close and dear friends and extended family. A true “GRITS”, LaVerne was the epitome of a “Girl Raised in the South”, she never lost her southern heritage. LaVerne was loved by everyone she met and loved dearly by her family. Interment will be April 28, 2017 at 1:30pm, at the Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota FL where she will join her husband Maj. Richard J. Rasmussen USA Retired. Neptune Society is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Tidewell Hospice or the Senior Friendship Center in Sarasota FL.