Bernice Elizabeth 'Bea' (Bern) Rasmussen, 94

Bernice Elizabeth “Bea” (Bern) Rasmussen, 94, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, where she had resided for 4 1/2 years.

Bea was born in Sinai, S.D., to Chris and Emma Bern.

She was baptized and confirmed in Sinai Lutheran Church and lived there until August 1936, when the family moved to Kalispell. This has been her home for 75 years. On April 10, 1937, Bea married Art Rasmussen, her sweetheart from Bruce, S.D., in the basement of their beloved church, Bethlehem Lutheran. This union thrived for 72 years.

Bea worked in the community volunteering for many civic and charitable organizations: the Red Cross, American Home Department of the Century Club, Sons of Norway and the L.D.R.

Her greatest energy and passion was working at the church, especially with the children, teaching Sunday school, playing the piano and singing in the choir. Music was her passion, with young children coming in a close second. Bea was a happy person with a joy for life and a love for Jesus that knew no bounds.

She loved people, and cherished her family and her role as a wife, mother and grandmother. Gardening and entertaining were her hobbies, but her true gift was bringing sunshine and joy to everyone she met.  As a good friend said, “She sure knew how to turn on a light bulb when she entered a room.”

She was preceded in death by her husband, Art; her daughter, Marlene Siblerud; her grandson, Patrick Siblerud; her parents, Chris and Emma Bern; a brother, Lloyd Bern; and a sister, Ruby Loy.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Margie and Jim LaRue of Seneca, S.C.; son-in-law, Roger Siblerud of Somers; grandchildren, Kelly Nelson and husband, Ken Degitz, Dan and Kelly Siblerud of Somers, Brad and Leslie LaRue of Greenville, S.C., and Todd and Jennifer LaRue of Austin, Texas; and great-grandchildren, Andy Siblerud, Nicole and Haley Nelson, Logan and Sierra Siblerud, Van and Lander LaRue, and Harrison and Emme LaRue.

Memorial services for Bea will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline Ave., Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Bea’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Bea’s guest book.