Marlene C. Rasmussen

Marlene Carole Rasmussen, age 90, of Kearney, formerly of Litchfield, passed away on Sunday February 18, 2024 at Brookstone Gardens in Kearney. Funeral services will be on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Methodist Church in Hazard, NE. Pastor Chuck Squier will officiate and burial will be at the Hazard Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Home in Kearney. Memorials are suggested to the Hazard United Methodist Church or the Rowe Sanctuary Scholarship Fund. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney is in charge of arrangements. Marlene was born December 8, 1933 to John F. and Lorna (Viergutz) Aden. She attended school in Hazard until her senior year when the high school closed. She graduated in 1951 from Ravenna high school. Marlene married Bob Rasmussen on May 17, 1952. They lived and farmed in the Sweetwater and Litchfield area until retirement. In addition to helping on the farm Marlene taught 37 years. Following high school she attended summer courses at Kearney State College and started her first teaching job that fall at Fairview School. Marlene’s teaching career included a number of country schools including: Fairview, District 39, and Cedarville where she was the only teacher for all the students K – 8. Following a short break from teaching when her children were small she taught at Hazard and finished her teaching career at Litchfield teaching 5th and 6th grade. Throughout her teaching career Marlene won a number of teaching awards that focused on her passion for history, science, writing, and the environment. She was a woman ahead of her time using cross curriculum education to teach her students about Nebraska’s natural resources and their role in preserving it. She also served as a 4-H leader in Litchfield and a mentor for the Nebraska Groundwater university program. Marlene was a part of many local and state organizations that promoted environment and wildlife including Nebraska Audubon, Bluebirds Across Nebraska, the Nebraska Groundwater board. Marlene was active in the Hazard Methodist Church her entire life, providing piano music for services the majority of her life. Following retirement Marlene and Bob traveled with their RV taking the trip of a life time to Alaska. As well as many small trips in Nebraska that often included the grandkids. When Bob couldn’t travel through their marriage she had a wonderful group of family and friends who were ready to see the world with her. Marlene and Bob moved to Kearney in 2017 first living at Northridge and then Brookestone. Marlene was so grateful for the excellent care she received in both facilities. She maintained her humor and her positive outlook on life until she passed. Marlene was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Robert M Rasmussen; her parents John F. (Frank) and Lorna Aden; sister, Marlys Moritz; brother, Merle Aden and infant siblings, Marcella, Lyle and Lyn. She is survived by her children, Rex (Maggie) Rasmussen of York, Robyn (Kent) Hubbert of Kearney; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Doug) Gilbert of Omaha, Steve (Jamie) Rasmussen of Cedar Falls IA, Kelsey Hubbert of Shelton, Brian (Sydney) Hubbert; As well as four great grandchildren, Hazel Gilbert, William Gilbert, Jace Hubbert, and Mack Rasmussen.

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Marlene C. Rasmussen

December 8, 1933 - February 18, 2024