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Carol Sue Rasmussen Hering, age 76, passed away peacefully from complications due to Alzheimer's Disease on March 12, 2025.
Carol was born on December 1, 1948 in Eau Claire, WI. She moved to Woodbury, MN at the age of 16, where she spent most of her adult life. Carol graduated from Fairview School of Nursing and the University of Minnesota and worked as a Registered Nurse in mother-baby care for nearly 30 years, helping countless families during an important time in their lives.
Carol is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Paul Elmo Rasmussen and Fern Rosemary (Rostad) Rasmussen, and her brother-in-law, James Schwartze. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, William Frederick Hering; children Todd (Nicole), Andrew (Kristina), and Robin (Matthew) Stien; grandchildren Allison (Alli), Emily, Grant, Allison (Allie), Jacob, Natalie, and Samantha; great-grandson Clayton; her sister Sally (Rasmussen) Schwartze; her brother Thomas (Kay) Rasmussen; and many extended family and friends.
Carol was a loving and devoted grandmother who enjoyed supporting her grandchildren in all of their activities. She was also a sportsperson who enjoyed fishing, playing softball, and competing in races. She completed five marathons, including the Boston Marathon at the age of 55. Carol had a love for animals and nature, owning dogs and horses during her life.
Carol took great pride in her Norwegian heritage. She was independent and had a strong, determined nature that was appreciated by family and friends.
Visitation for Carol will be held on Monday, March 17th, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Bradshaw Funeral Home (2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater). Her funeral service will be held at Memorial Lutheran Church (15730 Afton Blvd., Afton) on Tuesday, March 18th, at 11:00 AM, with a visitation starting at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Animal Humane Society (9785 Hudson Rd, Woodbury, MN 55125) or donor's choice.
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Carolyn Jackson
I learned this past Wednesday, March 12, 2025 that my lifelong best friend, Carol Rasmussen, passed away. My heart is broken, but I am grateful that I was fortunate enough to have had such a loyal, steadfast friend for over 65 years. We would have taken a bullet for each other.
Ironically, our friendship had a rocky start with a fight on the playground of Putnam Heights Elementary School. My family had just moved to Putnam Heights from the Third Ward, and I was the new kid on the block. For some reason, Carol and I didn't get along and a fight broke out. At one point, I had Carol on the ground, and I was sitting on her, holding her arms down. The school Principal, Mr. Smith, came out of the school to stop the fight. He looked down at us and said, "You're not being very lady-like, girls. Come to my office." With apprehension, we went to his office, and he asked us why we were fighting. We just shrugged our shoulders and said that we didn't know why. Mr. Smith then told us to "shake hands and be friends"...and that is what we did. In that moment, we had developed a mutual respect, which would grow into a great friendship.
Carol and I discovered that we had a lot in common: a love of sports, the outdoors, nature, dogs, horses and a little bit of mischief. We were on the 5th and 6th grade track teams and the softball team that made it to the City Championship game, losing to a talented Mt. Washington team. Carol played in the outfield, and I was the pitcher. Despite the loss, we were proud of our successful season.
Carol and I loved to swim, fish, ride bikes, teach our dogs tricks and, especially, ride our beloved horses. Carol's horse was named Sugarfoot, and mine was Conchita, which we boarded at Mel Berg's Stables on Vine Street. We spent long summer days riding around the Vine Street/Sherman Creek area of Eau Claire, which was out in the country back then. Those were the halcyon days of our young lives.
As with all children, we grew up and made our marks in the world. Carol lived in Minnesota, and I lived in Arizona for 14 years. When I returned to Wisconsin in 2000, we picked up where we left off, seemingly not missing a beat. That's how true friendship works. We spent time together and talked on the phone right up to the end. When Alzheimer's began inflicting its cruelty on Carol, she had trouble communicating, but we still could reminisce about our happy childhood.
My friendship with Carol was a rare gift, which sprung out of conflict, but ended in love. I know that we will meet again. To quote Saint Francis de Sales, "Friendships begun in this world will be taken up again in heaven, never to be broken off." I'll see you again, dear friend.
Betty Tollefson (Qualheim)
Carolyn, what a lovely and wonderful tribute to Carol.
Catherine McRae (Haasl)
Thank you Carolyn Jackson for posting such a great tribute to the friendship you and Carol shared. I had heard the story about how you met a few times over the years, but glad to hear your side.Carol was my cousin; our moms were sisters. We spent a lot of time together as kids and even had a couple of classes together in Junior High. We enjoyed getting together with our other cousins at our grandparents' house for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays until the mid-70s.
Carol loved animals... especially horses and dogs. I remember a funny story about her buying guppies and finding out how quickly they multiply!! I always thought she would be a great vet.
Carol was smart, fun, and loved her family! When most people were starting to think about downsizing, Carol and her hubby were all in for a house that could accommodate their growing family.
Carol and I kept in contact with each other every couple of months. We enjoyed long phone conversations; we never had trouble coming up with something to chat about. I have missed these conversations and hearing her laugh. I was shocked to find out she had passed away. Life just isn't always fair!
Thanks, Carol, for making my life better. You have touched the hearts of so many people throughout your life. You are so loved & missed❤️ Rest in peace,
Carol Sue Rasmussen Hering🙏🙏
Patricia Plomedahl (Halverson)
What a beautiful tribute to a lifelong friend!
Jean Behnke (Wisnewski)
It was with great joy to read the beautiful tributes to Carol Rasmussen. What a great way to remember a beautiful life. R.I.P.