Rita Rasmussen, age 89, of Beresford, South Dakota passed away July 24, 2024 at Good Samaritan Society in Canton. Rita was born August 4th 1934 at Huron, SD to parents Lewis and Margaret (Hofer) Mennenga.  She grew up on farms and attended rural schools. Rita attended National College and received her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration and her graduate degree through Northern State University in Huron.

Rita was united in marriage to Harry Rasmussen, Jr. on September 12, 1949.  To this union five children were born, Gail (Regina) Rasmussen of Kansas City, MO, Gwen Bickett (deceased) of Sioux Falls, Gregg Rasmussen of Alcester, Veda (Mike) Halligan of Rapid City, and Camille Gregory (Nick Fahlberg) of Box Elder.

After their marriage, Rita and Harry lived in Portland, OR for a year then moved to Minneapolis, MN for a year. They returned to SD and moved to Doland, SD. Rita and Harry lived at Doland for 23 years. Mr. Rasmussen worked in his father's Ford Motor Co. before becoming chief of police. Illness forced his retirement. Rita worked in cafes for 17 years and managed Westside Cafe for two years in Doland. Rita graduated from the Missouri Auction School and for two years she owned Double 'R' Auction Service from 1976 until 1978 when they moved to Beresford. She managed the Budget Inn Motel for three years. She worked for RMA doing fund raising and retired in 2008.

After retirement she worked for the Hillary Clinton campaign for the presidency. Retirement offered her time to go to Auction sales, collect music boxes, and enjoy having a beautiful garden and yard. The Johnson family and her long-time friend, Marlene, were important to her. Her little pets were so dear to her and a wonderful part of her life. Rita was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Beresford.

Rita is survived by four children, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two sisters, Kay (Tom) Klescka of Otto, NC and Alice (Jack) Capman of Nome, ND; and her sister-in-law, Pat Mennenga of Franklin, NC. Preceding her in death are her parents, husband, daughter, Gwen Bickett; daughter-in-law, Sandra Rasmussen; nine brothers, and son-in-law, Robert Gregory.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 2PM Friday, August 2, 2024 at St. Teresa Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery.