Geraldine "Gerri" Rasmussen

SUPERIOR ~ Geraldine (Gerri) Rasmussen, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on January 6, at the age of 84. Gerri was born in Missoula on June 29, 1941, to Arnold and Leona Ashby. She attended high school in Missoula then later went on to earn her beautician’s license. In 1959, she married her lifetime partner, Emil Rasmussen. Together, they raised three daughters: Audrey, Brenda, and Carla.

Gerri was a stay-at-home mom until her daughters were older, then she worked as a dental assistant, office manager, and school office substitute, all the while, cutting hair in her kitchen for friends and family. She also took a turn as a small business owner when she and two friends opened a ceramic shop called the Pour House. Humor, determination, and a no-nonsense attitude towards life, were traits that all recognized in Gerri. She was resourceful and skilled in many areas including sewing, gardening, cooking, and canning.

Her life with Emil was very full. They enjoyed years of hiking, camping, and fishing together. Very few roads in Montana exist that the two had not explored. They especially enjoyed picking huckleberries and blackberries which were then turned into jars of jam and shared with family and friends. Gerri shared her love for the outdoors with her children, and later, her grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of warm memories of camping trips. It was a common occurrence to wake up at the campsite and find that Emil and Gerri had slipped off for an early morning fishing trip. After a few hours, they would show up at camp and spend the rest of the day entertaining the grandkids. But the early hours of the day belonged to just the two of them, their boat, and the quiet lake. Another common occurrence while spending time with Gerri was an impromptu water fight. She was the master and had no mercy with even the youngest participants.

After retiring, in 2001, she and Emil built a home in Superior, Montana, where she lived the rest of her life. She had a large circle of friends and with them enjoyed rounds of golf, creating quilts, and keeping strong by attending tai chi classes. She was proud of her tidy home and enjoyed quiet hours spoiling her cats and working on jigsaw puzzles. And though they enjoyed traveling and exploring, Gerri loved coming home most, and she loved living in Superior.

Gerri was so proud of her family, and she was such a role model for them. From her, they learned to laugh rather than cry in the face of adversity. They learned to support one another and to always put family first. They learned to rely on God and their faith. And in her last year of life, she showed them how to be strong beyond measure. She is survived by her husband, Emil, her daughters Audrey (Dan), Brenda, and Carla (Brad). Seven grandchildren also survive her: Hilary (Sean), Allen (Destiny), Robert (Celaithia), Tascha (Michael), Garrett, Ali, and Riley. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Emma Lee, Annie, Cici, Graeme, and Roman. Gerri is also survived by her brother Mike (Rita). Her grandson, Nathan, and sister, Dee preceded her in death.

Gerri was grateful for friends and family who lifted her up, especially while she was ill. Their frequent visits, texts, phone calls, and cards brought her immense joy. And there was no end to people offering their help, no matter the need. The family is so appreciative of these angels, as well as the excellent medical care she received. Although she is gone, the culture of loving life, embracing challenges, and faith in God and the goodness of people is a legacy that Gerri leaves her grateful family and friends.

A funeral mass at Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Superior will be held for Gerri on January 24, 2026 at 12:00 pm. A reception at the church will follow. To honor Gerri’s memory, donations may be made in her name to Superior High School (410 Arizona St. Superior MT 59872). Money collected will be used to benefit students academic and athletic activities which she vigorously supported.

Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.