Peggy Lea Rasmussen
Peggy Lea (Goin) Rasmussen of Lincoln passed away on September 17 after a long struggle due to West Nile. Peggy was the second of four children and was born March 31, 1952 to Francis and Wilma Goin of Barneston, Nebraska.
Peggy married the love of her life, Mike Rasmussen on June 23, 1973 after graduating from Bryan School of Nursing two weeks prior. Her nursing career spanned 47 years and was cut short by the Covid epidemic. It wasn’t long into her career that it became apparent that Peggy was a problem solver and a people person. From York to McCook to Metro Omaha and Lincoln she touched many lives because of those traits. No matter the situation she reflected grace and compassion that became a calming factor to those in need. Her final 19 years were spent at Lincoln Surgery Hospital in a position where she hit the ground running in the morning and didn’t sit down until she went home at night. She would bypass the elevator throughout the day so she could get her daily steps running up and down the stairs. It was a humbling experience when on several occasions she was recognized by her peers for being an exceptional nurse. May 5, 2020 was retirement day from her nursing career.
In later years she was delighted to participate in the Nurse Honor Guard enabling her to honor her nursing peers in a moving tribute. She also credits the book clubs she became a part of in expanding her perspective and insight on topics she normally would not have been involved in. Besides she could always challenge Mike, with “did you know!” Most likely it was reading a book on her deck that she sustained the bite that led to the long struggle with West Nile.
Besides fulfilling a successful nursing career, she was equally a wonderful mother to her sons, Kirk and Marc. She and Mike enjoyed many trips to support the boys in their sporting events, vacations together, helping with school projects and the joy of being proud parents. The two boys were fortunate to marry two wonderful daughters in law and provided Peggy and Mike four wonderful grandchildren.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents Francis and Wilma Goin.
She is survived by her husband Mike, sons Kirk (Katie) of Centennial Colorado, Marc (Janet) of Cambridge, Nebraska, sisters Mary Ward of Brisbane, Australia, Jane Goin of Morrison, Colorado, brother Lance (Cheryl) Goin of Birmingham, Michigan, Grandchildren Emma and Jake Rasmussen of Cambridge and Will and Abby Rasmussen of Centennial, Colorado.
Peggy requested to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Mark’s Methodist Church on Wednesday, September 25 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers memorial money will be split between the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard and the National Park Foundation.
To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Condolences for Peggy Lea Rasmussen
John and I cannot tell you how sorry we are for your family’s loss. Such a kind and special lady. Know you will have many good memories of her and how much you will all miss her.
Peggy, I will miss you forever. Thank you for your love and friendship. You are truly one of a kind. Mike, Marc, Janet, Kirk, Katie, Emma, Jake, Will and Abby, my heart and prayers are with you as we say goodbye to Peggy. Rest easy my sweet friend. I will see you in the morning.
Linda and i.send our heartfelt condolences… We both felt privileged to have known Peggy….😍😍😍🙏🙏
Peggy, I am so thankful that we were able to re-connect the last couple years. You were always such a positive compassionate soul! ❤️
I carry many fond memories from our freshman year at Wesleyan, milking cows @ your home, road trip to Minnesota and your wedding.
Prayers for Mike and your family 🙏. Peace to you all!
Peggy was truly the kindest, compassionate, most loving nurse and friend. She was always so positive and grateful even during her illness. I’m so very proud to have been her friend. She loved her family dearly, and I loved hearing about the grandchildren’s trips to Washington DC, her excursions with Mike, her love of reading and Mike’s love of history. May you all be comforted by the love that she had for all of her family and friends, and the wonderful memories that you share.
Peggy was an amazing nurse who I worked with for several years at McCook Community Hospital. Very caring, always kind. She will be missed by many.
So very saddened to hear that Peggy has passed. She was such a dear friend when we were in McCook. Such a compassionate OB nurse Everyone loved her. Will miss her annual Christmas updates. God bless Mike and family
Our prayers and love are with the whole family as we mourn this huge loss.
Peggy will be remembered for so many wonderful qualities! She was thoughtful and so kind to us all we came to visit. God bless🥰
Our condolences to Mike and the whole family. We pray the memories of your time together will give you comfort and healing. ❤️
Love,
Dan and Julie Goin
What a privilege it was to be welcomed weekly to Peggy’s bedside this past year. I got to know a woman of great humility, intelligence, patience, love and wit. I am a better person for having had this time with her. My condolences to Mike and the entire Rasmussen family.
Mike, I remember SO well the day you and Peggy were married. Whew it was HOT! Over the years you two teamed up so well and built a wonderful family. It may have been at Steve or Scott’s wedding when we asked Kirk how old he was and he said, “Just plain four.” Not four and a half, but “just plain four.” We always enjoyed seeing you and Peggy and seeing the kids.
When I think of Peggy, I feel the description written above is perfect. “She reflected grace and compassion that became a calming factor to those in need.” Always calming.
My heart is wrenched every time I think of Peggy’s battle, and therefore your battle as her care taker, with the West Nile. I am certain every day you feel the loss, but I’m hopeful all those Sundays listening to Pastor John at church give you some comfort knowing with 1,000% certainty Peggy is in a glorious place. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Marc and Kirk and the entire family.
Love,
Jeff Holliday
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Peggy is such a beautiful wife and mother, and friend. Her glowing smile will always be something I remember. Peggy cared for everyone she encountered.
No more pain. Rest in Peace Peggy.
So sorry for your loss Marc and the whole family. I didn’t know Peggy that well but, she raised a great family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time, much love to you all!
I had the privilege of knowing Peggy through Lincoln Surgical Hospital. Her non-stop energy kept patient surgeries running smoothly. She provided reassurance to the many patients she interacted with daily. I enjoyed her smile and the quick exchange we had most days. Sending my sincerest condolences to all who loved Peggy.
Mike…I was so saddened to hear about Peggy’s passing and about the struggles she had due to West Nile. My thoughts and prayers are lifted up for you and your family as you deal with your life without her, knowing how much she will be missed.
Dear Mike & Family,
So sorry for Peggy’s passing. Lots of very good memories with your family growing up. She was always so caring and sincere.
Sincerely,
Andrew Hock
Dear Emma,
I’m so sorry for your loss! There is nothing that can replace a grandmother’s love, and I know she loved you more than you can ever imagine. She will continue to watch over you wherever you go. I’m thinking of you and praying for you today.
Love you always,
Brenna
Peggy was admired by all during her stent at YMC in York , Ne .
Not only was she an amazing person , but an exceptional nurse / boss …. We were all so lucky to have her at YMC .
Peggy could light up the room with her warmth , smile , compassion , and kindness .
Out sympathies to all her family and friends ——
God Bless Peggy 🙏
Peggy and I worked together at the McCook hospital for many years. We were both supervisors and would talk about what we’d focus on for our patient’s plan of care. We delivered babies and cared for patients in ICU and the Emergency room all in the same shift.
Peggy was a caring nurse and had a calming effect on any crisis that came her way. She had a true nursing heart!
Our prayers continue for her family .
I am thinking and praying for your whole family.
Peggy was a year ahead of me in school, and at nursing school.
Such a wonderful and classy lady.