Shirley Jean Rasmusson

Minot

Shirley Jean Rasmusson, 93, Minot died peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in a Minot hospital. Her loving family was at her side.

Shirley Jean was born on October 27, 1931, in Jamestown, ND to Cecil and Eva (Stewart) Hogan. Raised and educated in Jamestown, Jean graduated from St. John’s Academy in 1949. At age seven her father died. Along with her mother, Eva, who was a teacher and adolescent group counselor, Jean helped care for her seven siblings. She was proud of all their goodness and accomplishments. As a young adult she was employed at a Jamestown jewelry store.

Jean married Winston “Win” Rasmusson on August 21, 1954, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Jamestown. For four years they made their home in Grand Forks. In 1958 they moved to Minot where they raised their family of five children. She and Winston owned and operated Winston-Noble Adjustment. She was the bookkeeper for the firm and continued in that position after they sold the business to their son David. She retired in 2020.

Winston and Jean took care of each other during their times of need as they aged. Winston Rasmusson, her forever love, died on January 25, 2018. Jean continued to live in Minot in her home for 65 years. Jean valued the neighborhood families and had fond memories of the “coffees” and all the neighbor kids who played together endlessly.

Jean put passion and energy into all she took on. She enjoyed decorating, gardening, cooking, baking, bridge, and her magazines and the newspaper. She made gatherings feel like events, from the way the table was finely set, to the finely tuned holiday traditions, to ensuring everyone felt extra special on their birthdays with their favorite cake with candles. She looked forward to hosting bridge games, with nuts and sugar cubes placed in their silver dishes and a special dessert. The big, extended family loved celebrating the joy-filled summer by spending time together by the pool, which included countless outdoor picnics. Jean and Win encouraged their children’s activities and believed in giving them as many opportunities as possible, for which they are grateful.

Jean’s special superpower was time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She adored them. Jean took time to connect with each one in a way that made them feel heard and to feel special. She was great at treats for them, especially by the pool. Her own version of trail mix, homemade strawberry slushies, and ice cream sandwiches brought energy back after hours of swimming. Of course, there was a 1/2 an hour rest time after treats before they could go back to swimming.

Jean was a dedicated volunteer. Jean was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church and was a former charter member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church where she was a past president of the Altar Society and first woman to serve as President of the Church Council. She was a member of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers and the Ladies Aide. Jean served as chairperson and co-chairperson of several Bishop Ryan High School Carnivals. She also spent endless hours serving as a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The family wants to thank all the special people who helped care for mom and keep her in the home she loved. Cheers to the MSU “sock” girls who were there in the morning and at night. Jean recently moved to Edgewood Vista where she enjoyed regaining a connection to her friends and community.

Jean’s family includes her children: David (Karen) Rasmusson of Minot, Ann Rasmusson of Boston, Carol (Brad) Schlossman of Fargo, Rob (Kim) Rasmusson of Minot and Karen (Wayne) Mattoon of Riverdale; twelve grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren; siblings: Mick Hogan of Jamestown, Dennis (Kathy) Hogan of Fargo and Barbara (Tom) Bergquist of Cummings GA, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings: Betty (Stan) Peterson, Connie Hogan, Bill (Jan) Hogan, Bob (Margaret) Hogan and sister-in-law: Darlene Hogan.

Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot. A livestream of the service will be available by using the link in the website obituary.

Vigil Prayer Service and Sharing of Memories: Sunday, February 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot. Visitation: Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home.

Memorials are preferred to the Magic City Discovery Center or The Lord’s Cupboard. Food Pantry. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, February 21, 2025.