Obituary Detail


Benjamin, Marilyn,and Elizabeth, Rasmusen - 82,81,9
11/29/1926 - 7/13/2009

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home-Somonauk- -

Benjamin Arthur Rasmusen, Marilyn Rue Rasmusen, Elizabeth Rasmusen,


Benjamin Arthur Rasmusen, 82, and Marilyn Rue Rasmusen, 81 of Leland, and grandchild Elizabeth Grace Rasmusen, 9 of Bloomington, Indiana passed away on July 13th. Ben was a professor emeritus of Animal Genetics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and former President of the International Society of Animal Blood Group Research. In 1981, he co-authored "Animal Genetics" with F.B. Hutt of Cornell University, a textbook of major interest to veterinary students. He was interested in genealogy, gardening, and politics.
Marilyn was former manager of the Champaign County Youth Symphony, Editor of the book "LaSalle County Lore", and a Director of the Olmstead Memorial Museum in Somonauk. She was a student of local history, and active in volunteering, including giving historical talks at schools dressed as an Indian maiden and most recently knitting dolls for poor children in Africa. Ben and Marilyn donated 27 acres of farmland for education that is now the Rasmusen Natural Area of wetlands, woods, and prairie in Northeastern LaSalle County. For the last 25 years, Ben and Marilyn lived at Marilyn's ancestral farm in rural Leland. They previously resided in Urbana for 27 years, plus year-long sabbaticals in Scotland and England, extensive travel in Europe, and a visit to Papua New Guinea.
Ben and Marilyn are survived by three children, Eric, 50, of Bloomington, Indiana, an Economics professor at Indiana University, Mary, 48, of Encinitas, California, a software engineer for Sun Microsystems, and Andrew, 47, of Santa Monica, California, investment consultant for Angeles Investment Advisors, seven grandchildren, Ben's sister Mary Larson of Dekalb, 86, and many nephews and nieces.

They were killed instantly on July 13th when their car was struck by a high speed Amtrak passenger train at Route 34 and E. 23rd Road in Adams Township, near Leland. Grandchild Elizabeth, who lost her life in the accident, was a student at Lighthouse School, was interested in gymnastics, and co-founded a weekly girls club. Lizzie was known for a giving nature and gentle faith. In personality she was very like her grandmother. Lizzie's sister Amelia and brother Ben were also in the car and are recovering well.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday July 18, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Somonauk, IL. Burial will follow for Benjamin and Marilyn at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Sandwich. Visitation will be Friday, July 17, 2009 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Elizabeth‘s service will be held in Somonauk with her grandparents. There will be a service also held for Elizabeth in Bloomington, IN. at a later date. For more information and to sign the online guest book go to www.TurnerBurkhartFH.com.

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 W. Rt. 34
Somonauk, Il 60552
815-498-2363

Visitation:
Visitation will be Friday, July 17, 2009 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Service:
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday July 18, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Somonauk, IL

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Visitor Comments
Marilyn & Ben, As your neighbors and friends we will miss you greatly. Your kindness & openness in welcoming us to your neighborhood and your lives will never be forgotten. Bob & Pat
Bob & Pat Feuerborn
7/15/2009 9:51 PM
 
Elizabeth, We are truly sorry we never had the opportunity to meet and get to know you here on Earth. I'm sure you are the treasure of your Grandma and Grandpa's lives. Now you can enjoy each other's company in Heavan as you did here on Earth. You will be missed. Bob & Pat
Bob & Pat Feuerborn
7/15/2009 9:58 PM
 
It was a great priviledge to have known Marilyn and Ben. We treasure every moment we spent in their company and the knowledge that they shared with us. We shared a love of history and genealogy and traded stories and old photos and articles about the Betz and Suppes families. We will also treasure other keepsakes, a copy of "the children's book that Marilyn wrote, "The Celebrated Travelling Rock of Champaign County", "Albion's Seed", the book that Ben recommended, the notecards printed with Marilyn's artwork and the walnut etagere (purchased by Marilyn's mother from my grandmother's family). We hope you can take consoloation in knowing what great happiness their children, grandchildren, sister, nieces, nephews and cousins gave them. We must look forward with a commitment to pass on all that they shared with us.
Tom and Mary Fraser Hodson, Champaign, IL
7/15/2009 11:21 PM
 
It was very sad to hear about this tradegy. I have been visiting Marilyn and Ben at their farm several times, and also brought groups from Norway. I will keep the good memories for ever, which I share with abt 50 members of Sons of Norway who have been with me to visit Marilyn and Ben from the first visit in 2002 to the last in 2008. Odd Harald Olsen
Odd Harald Olsen, Hjelmeland, Norway
7/16/2009 9:23 AM
 
I was the Shepherd at the University of Illinois when you retired. I always admired you for your work and for the fact that you always had time to talk with me. Thank you for that time.
Richard Cobb
7/16/2009 11:17 AM
 
My heart goes out to your family. If I can help in any way let me know. Give Jacob a huge hug for me and tell him I am thinking of him. Your family is in my heart and prayers.
Denny Cope
7/16/2009 11:43 AM
 
Eric and Helen and all the Rasmusen Family, No words are adequate to express our sorrow at the loss of your parents and sweet Elizabeth. You are in our prayers and in our hearts.
Arden, Cathy and Ivy Johnson, Arlington, MA
7/16/2009 11:56 AM
 
Marilyn and Ben were the kind of people that after meeting, touched you forever. Inspiring people who taught us all how to love our environment, understand our past, and educate our future is who they were. Through their example, we all learned how to hang in there through the tough times, make the most of what we have, and smile in the rain. My life, as well as so many others are better for having known Marilyn and Ben Rasmusen. May God Bless You and Keep You in the Palm of His Hands. Mary, thank you for sharing your parents with us. Much Love, Juliette, Frank, Jonathan and Andrew Wallen Encinitas, CA
Juliette Wallen
7/16/2009 12:00 PM
 
Our family has been touched by the special closeness between Mary, Scott, Jacob and Marilyn and Ben. The family and neighborhood BBQ's at Mary and Scott's in Encinitas, California bought our close community together for good food, great stories around the fire pit and unforgettable memories of horseshoes, ping-pong and basketball. Marilyn often volunteered in Jacob's class, touching many of Jacob's classmates and parents. Mary and Scott both continue Ben and Marilyn's tradition of volunteering and working in the community. The Rasmusen legacy will continue in the Encinitas community. All our love, prayers and blessings go out to you and family and friends. Encinitas, CA
Katie, JR, Riley, Kelly and Megan
7/16/2009 1:27 PM
 
I was shocked to hear of the passing away of your parents and Elizabeth. I can't imagine what you're going through and I have no idea of what to say. May God draw close to you and give you the peace that only He can give. If there's anything that I can do for you, please let me know. Bloomington, IN
Darwin Roos
7/16/2009 1:36 PM
 
We were so very sorry to hear of the loss of Eric's parents and his lovely daughter. Eric--many, many people are thinking of you and praying for your family at this difficult time. Much love. Lincoln, MA.
keith and Maria Hylton
7/16/2009 1:51 PM
 
Ben and Marilyn became instant family members the very first time we met. Ben was always ready for a good converstaion regarding politics or any other subject that happened to surface during our grill parties, Super Bowl parties, etc. Marilyn was an angel long before she left this earthly place, and we will miss her warmth, her kindness, and gentleness that she carried with her. I feel as though I have lost something that I may never again posses, but as their friends we will carry on their influence to those of us left here - something that I know they would want us to do. Love you still, Mike, Ren, Cole and Kendall
Mike Daasnes & family
7/16/2009 2:25 PM
 
Eric and family - we are so sorry for this great loss. What wonderful examples these three people were and how fortunate everyone in their circles is to have known them. You lare all in our hearts, minds and prayers - love Gail San Rafael, CA
Gail Plath Napell; Bruce, Isaac and Tova
7/16/2009 3:15 PM
 
Our deepest sympathy to Eric and the Rasmusen family. Words cannot express the sense of lost. I knew Ben well because he had his office and lab in the Animal Genetics Lab where I also spent many years. I admired Ben's intelligence, his approach to science and his broad background. Many times we had lively discussions in the lab. Ben always made his case with solid facts. Marilyn was such a lovely woman---in my judgment she was a model for all professional women. We also mourn the lost of Elizabeth--such a young life terminated too early. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Janice Bahr and Don Kruse, Champaign, IL
Janice Bahr
7/16/2009 4:42 PM
 
Words cannot express the sorrow we share with you in this tragic loss. Please know that the staff at Paul Ecke Central School is carrying you all in our thoughts and prayers during this season of great sadness for your family. We were blessed to have the Rasmusens share in our unique PEC community, and will miss their regular visits to Encinitas. Special hugs to Jacob, Mary and Scott.
Sue Liesegang
7/16/2009 6:01 PM
 
My pain is almost unbearable with the shock of Marilyn's, Ben's, Elizabeth's deaths. I heard this afternoon. I'd just written to them Tuesday honoring their wedding anniversary. Maril was my Bridesmaid, and I participated in her and Ben's wedding. A darling birthday card stands on my kitchen table recently received from Marilyn. She was my very best friend. We were room-mates our Freshman year at Northwestern and became fast friends forever. We roomed together four years after graduation until we each married. So much of life has been shared even though our later years we lived far apart. Our daughters are even both engineers and even work for the same company. Eric and Helen, your lives in England with your five beautiful children were so enjoyed by me with every episode. Mary and Andrew, I am with you in spirit while you endure this terrible tragedy. Please call on me later! All my love and tears are shared! Barbara (Bunn) Phillips 7/16/09
Barbara Phillips
7/16/2009 7:35 PM
 
I'm honored to know more about your loved ones. I am heartened to know they suffered little. I'm sure they are now in a much better place. Your family has been in my thoughts and heart much lately. I look forward to reconnecting with your family. Many Blessings.
Paul Fratianni
7/16/2009 7:59 PM
 
My heart goes out to you Eric, Helen and family at this great loss. Although I only met Helen and the children once in Oxford, when you kindly hosted me for dinner, it left a strong impression of very loving parents and beautiful children. Wishing you and your family strength and sending you my thoughts and prayers--Suzie, Perth, Wetern Australia
Suzie Wijsman
7/16/2009 8:24 PM
 
Our thoughts are with you at this time of loss. Best wishes to Eric and to all the family.
David & Jennifer Baum
7/16/2009 10:02 PM
 
Eric, Helen, Mary, and Andrew, my heart is heavy for what you are all going through. I never met your parents, Eric. But what a fine example of parents, to have raised you to be the loving, thoughtful, kind man that you became. I remember watching Helen with all the children, she, too, was gentle and kind, and loving, and it was a joy to watch that. And you passed that love to your remaining children, all of whom I have had the great joy in seeing as small children. May your parents and Lizzie be looking down from Heaven upon you. All that know you share in your grief and pain.
Mary Beberman Heine
7/16/2009 10:52 PM
 
Lord, you know our hearts. Our words are so inadequate. We pray for guidance for the doctors, and especially for the peace and reassurance of your love for these parents. We pray for their two injured children and certainly for the other two children in this family. They are all undoubtedly deeply struck by the loss of 8year old Elizabeth and her grandparents all at once. Let each of them know too that others care about them and are lifting them up to you for healing.
Wink and Chris
7/17/2009 10:18 AM
 
Sharon and I are still stunned by the news. I always remember Ben and Marilyn as they were one of the first to invite me over to their home when I started my ministry in Millington. Ben & Marilyn were always ready to help with music programs at the Newark Senior Center. I was able to meet Eric and Helen when they would come to visit for Sunday Worship with their children. Mary was there for our 175th Anninvesay of the Millington UMC and played in the unlikly trio with Ben, and Berghill. It was a good time of hymn singing, what a lovely family. Our hearts are filled with sadness, but with a prayer that you will feel the presence of Jesus and know that you are loved by not only Him, but by us.
Pastor Kirk
7/17/2009 11:07 AM
 
Dear Rasmusen Family, You do not know me, however I feel led to sign your guestbook to let you know that I am praying for your family. I feel so deeply moved and grieve deeply for each of you. I lost my sister when her car was hit by a train and my father was also in a train accident. I can only try to imagine the pain and loss that you are experiencing at this time and will feel in the coming days. Please accept my deepest sympathy and know I will be praying for each of you now and in coming days. Sincerely, Cindy Felix Yorkville, Illinois
Cindy Felix
7/17/2009 12:36 PM
 
When hearing about Elizabeth's death, Joel immediately said, "I know that she is in heaven , because she loved God the most in our class. She said her Bible verse perfectly every week." He remembered seeing her grandma this past Grandparents' Day at LCA. Hannah was in a cabin with Elizabeth in June at Camp Olivet. She continues to look at the camp photo and remember the fun week at camp. Each person makes an impact in this life. Praise the Lord for Elizabeth's life and her Grandma's and Grandpa's too. Our prayer since we heard about this tragedy has been "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and that your family would feel the healing, love, peace, and comfort of our loving God. With love, the Strickler family, Bloomington
Laura Strickler for Joel and Hannah, school friends
7/18/2009 11:11 AM
 
Andrew, so sorry to hear about your family's loss....our thoughts are with you.
Steve Alvey & Dave Helverson
7/18/2009 12:15 PM
 
An unexpected tragedy is impossible to fathom. My heart goes out to all this has affected. I met Mary around 1987 at Sierra Club Volleyball. Then Scott. Love ensued. Went to Halloween parties at their 1st house in North Park in San Diego. Still play VB with Scott. Never met Mary's parents but they sound like amazing people.
Richard Thompson
7/18/2009 4:18 PM
 
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Marilyn and I were cousins. I always enjoyed visiting with your parents and you as small children. God bless you all and may he be with you at this time. I am sorry I was unable to attend the servces, but I just found out this afternoon. Your parents and Elizabeth with be sadly missed. They were truly a great couple. Sincerely, Susan and family
Susan Blagburn
7/18/2009 6:36 PM
 
Scott, Mary, and Jacob... Know that Lucas and I are thinking about you each day. Love, Mrs. Hogrefe
Vicky Hogrefe
7/18/2009 7:14 PM
 
My deepest sympathy to the Rasmusen Family, for this tragic loss. Your dedication to the community will never be forgotten, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Barb Pokornowski, Lake Holiday, IL.
Barb Pokornowski
7/19/2009 11:56 PM
 
I only had the privilege of meeting "Grandma and Grandpa" once but it was obvious that they were very proud of their children and grandchildren! Grandpa told me the "joke" about Eric's turn down of Harvard grad school and Grandma was happily dressed as an American Indian woman. I regret that I never had the opportunity to get to know them a bit more! And Elizabeth . . . words cannot express our sorrow . . . we look forward to welcoming you all back here to Bloomington and mourning with you . . . Love, Ashley (for the Slaper family)
Ashley Slaper
7/20/2009 8:59 AM
 
I am thankful for the opportunity to have known Ben and Marilyn. As a young faculty member, I saw Ben as a great model. He welcomed me as a fellow geneticist to campus. He and Marilyn hosted my wife and I for dinner. Also, he shared his class notes and teaching insights. The research of his on blood groups set the stage for the progress now being made through genomics. The other lesson that Ben taught me, although I have not grasped it fully yet, was to return to family and love life (upon retirement). Yes, mourn the terrible premature loss, but cherish the now. Love life. Urbana, IL
Roger Shanks
7/20/2009 5:31 PM
 
Dear Jacob-Your grandparents and cousin were lovely, lovely people. You are so lovely, too, just like them. We can't wait to see you back home and give you a big hug. Much love, Griffen, Sydney, Celia & John
The Bartholomews
7/21/2009 8:20 PM
 
Dear Rasmusen family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We did did not know Ben and Marilyn very well, but my husband, Matt, and I live in the home that Ben grew up in (Finnie Rd). He stopped by one day and told us stories about the home and the property. It was such a pleasure meeting him. If you would ever like to bring your children/grandchildren by to see where Ben grew up, just let us know: [email protected]. - Kathy and Matt Middleton
Kathy Middleton
7/22/2009 2:03 PM
 
In the nigth 17 to 18 July I had a very strange dream. After so many years Ben and myself attended a scientific conference somewhere, later we were walking in a small town in Hungary where my mother had born. Three days later I sent an e-mail to the Rasmusens, I wanted to know if everyting was OK with them. Thuesday (21 July) I checked my mails, but no answer from them. Instead I received a mail from the University of Illinois with the Obituary. The nigth I had the dream was the one just before the funeral services took place! I was shocked by the e-mail. I am still stunned by the tragic loss of the Rasmusens. I met Ben first in Europe in 1968, two years later I went to his laboratory in Champain-Urbana, where I spent nearly one year as a postdoc. The research work we carried out together strongly influenced my further carrier when I returned back to Hungary, my homecountry. For many years we attended several scientific conferences, exchanged ideas, letters, x-mas cards, and recently e-mails. We published a few scientific papers together. I have good memories of the family, their small children, the Urbana campus, and the time we spent together with Ben and Marylin at the conferences, and also in Hungary when they visited us. I will never forget them! I am still stunned by the tragic loss of Ben, Marylin and Elizabeth
László Fésüs dr. professor
7/23/2009 7:50 AM
 
I am saddened to learn of this tragic loss. Marilyn and I were "best friends" as children in grammar school. Ben's sister Mary, and I played softball on a girls team in Millington, Illinois. Marilyn and I were able to reunite after many years. I am so happy we did. Mary allow me to express my deepest sympathy to you and your families. Pat Femister Concord, California
Patricia Femister
7/24/2009 9:32 PM
 
Mary, thank you so much for the lovely e-mail. I was so saddened to hear of your families tragedy. Your parents were so amazing. I remember when I had recently divorced and was so sad at Christmas. Your mom and dad were visiting and I had stopped to see you all. Marilyn asked me to sit beside her and sing some hymns to Ben as he loved her to play. At the time I thought she was asking me to sing for Ben. When I was done singing and laughing with them, I realized it was for my benefit. I left your home uplifted and feeling like I could get through the holidays in spite of my troubles. I love you all so much and am so sad for you. With much love, Deb
Debra Thelen and family
7/25/2009 12:11 AM
 

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