Alyce S. Rasmussen
September 26, 2012
Alyce S. Rasmussen, age 87, died Wednesday, September 26, after a short illness. It occurred in the Walnut Ridge Senior Center, in Clive, Iowa, where she had been living to be near her daughter Carole. She is survived by her husband and true love Richard, with whom she was married for 65 years, and by her sons David and Thomas and daughter Carole, as well as eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Alyce was born November 29, 1924, in Nashua, Iowa, to William Lowell Smith and Hazel Parks Smith. She graduated from high school in Nashua and, after WWII, from the College of Commerce at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. While in college, she was introduced to her eventual husband when both she and Richard were invited to Thanksgiving dinner by the minister of the local Congregational church. They married at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Alyce’s hometown in 1947.
After raising her children, Alyce earned her teaching credentials at Marycrest College and taught at Lincoln and Jefferson elementary schools in Davenport for 22 years. In 1988, she and Richard both retired and traveled the country in their motor home, visiting 49 states. Together they were avid square dancers and round dancers, and she pursued an interest in genealogy.
Alyce is remembered as a woman who instilled critical thinking in others. She wanted to listen and make people feel special, and she showed a genuine interest in their ideas. On December 8, 2008, she was profiled as part of a feature article in the Quad-City Times, “Davenport teachers continue to inspire well after graduation.”
She still does.
Online condolences may be made at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Lori Bromwell
10/02/2012
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Rasmussen. I had this wonderful lady as a teacher at Lincoln Elementary School in Davenport. I thought of her often, and remember her with a smile.
Pat & Chuck Williams
09/30/2012
Alyce was one exceptional person. I worked with her as a teacher in Davenport. We were on a number of committees and Alyce was a real spark plug. She was gracious, imaginative, and had a great sense of humor. Children's welefare was her top priority.
Dorys & Gene Saur
09/30/2012
Dear Dick and family: I was grieved to learn of Alyce's death. Gene and I remember all the times we got together, We both remember Alyce taking in needy students to help them in more ways than one. She was one super person. We remember when the two of you came to visit us in Sun City Center. We send our love and concern to you and yours. Dorys and Gene Saur
Martha Novinger
09/30/2012
Dear Dick, Carole, Dave, & Tom--It was with sadness that I read of Alyce's death. She was a wonderful lady who wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. She did that in so many ways. I treasure the good times we shared as couples and families when we all lived in Davenport. I hope wonderful memories of this dear lady are comforting to you. With love--Martha
Francie Marin
09/30/2012
Carole, sorry to hear about your mom. My mom passed away this May also. Going through some boxes I found a box of pictures your parents forgot here have been meaning to bring them to DM when I come but keep forgetting if you want to stop by and pick them up sometime just give me a call 515-523-2407. Francie & Jim Marin