In the quiet hours of June 25th, our beloved Christine Ann Rasmussen left us unexpectedly. Though words fall short of capturing the depth of our loss, we remember her with profound love and gratitude.
Born on Christmas Day, 1949, in Seneca Falls, New York, Christine was the cherished daughter of the late Louis and Anna (Morganti) Pagano.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Arthur “Sam” Rasmussen; her sons, Aaron (Jen) of Ohio and Nathan of California; her adored grandchildren, Emma and Drew; her brother, Louis (Gerre) Pagano; and her grand dog, George. She was a loving aunt to many nieces, and a loyal friend to countless more.
Christine, affectionately known as Chris, was the heart of her family — a fiercely loving wife, mother, and Nona. Her greatest pride was her children and grandchildren, whose lives she enriched with unwavering support. She has sat through countless baseball, soccer, basketball, lacrosse games and even a few steel drum concerts, and there is no other place she would rather have been.
As a dedicated educator in the Valparaiso School System for 40 years, Chris’s impact was both profound and enduring. In the early years, she taught at Vale Day School and served on the Board of Directors of Opportunity Enterprises and Vale School. She started teaching at Memorial and ended her career at Flint Elementary School. Generations of students, colleagues, and families were shaped by her love for teaching and reading.
Chris was an absolute people person. Her friend group had no boundaries. She had grade school friends, college friends, teaching friends, book club friends, Tri-Kappa friends, neighborhood friends, even the friends she met in the grocery store. Her willingness to give to them was unmatched, if any of them needed something, she would be there.
A service celebrating her life and honoring her legacy will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 2610 N. Campbell Street, Valparaiso, Indiana on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Valpo Schools Foundation, in Chris’s name to establish a scholarship for a student pursuing elementary education. www.valposchoolsfoundation.org
GUESTBOOK
I’m so sorry for your loss. Chris was such a great friend, always willing to help me with anything from education, dentists, insurance, and just plain advice. She was so supportive of me and my family, and so proud of all of her family. A true friend, and great woman, who will be sorely missed. I hope you find solace in all the great memories you shared. -Lorie Cook
I remember Chris as a teacher at Memorial School when I worked there. She was a caring, loving teacher who I enjoyed seeing every day. Many good memories. -Alberta Kenworthy
We were so sorry to hear of Chris's passing. She was a wonderful woman and part of a remarkable family. -John Mullin
Christine Rasmussen was truly a dedicated teacher in the Valparaiso School System . I fondly remember teaching with her at Memorial School. She loved teaching at Flint Lake School as well. Many children and colleagues were shaped by her love for teaching and reading. Now she will be with Our Heavenly Father. -Carol Spencer
To the Rasmussen Family-my heartfelt sincerest condolences. Chris was a very special teacher, who became a friend. She will be missed immensely. Our hearts break for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort and carry you in the coming days. With love, -Michelle and Mike Keenan
Christine Rasmussen was truly a dedicated teacher in the Valparaiso School System . I fondly remember teaching with her at Memorial School. She loved teaching at Flint Lake School as well. Many children and colleagues were shaped by her love for teaching and reading. Now she will be with Our Heavenly Father. -Carol Spencer
My deepest sympathy to Sam, Aaron & Nathan. I am so glad to have gotten to know Chris through the years & have cherished our many conversations. She will be greatly missed but will leave behind many great memories. I pray for comfort & healing for her family. -Carol Lightcap Little
Our thoughts, love, and prayers are with you during this time of mourning. My words cannot express the sadness I have knowing she is no longer physically with us but thinking back to the first time I remember meeting Chris when I was just a young boy and all the times since, I know that I feel blessed that she was family. -Tim Callan
Chris was always smiling and kind. I was lucky enough to meet her through her husband years ago while working as Athletic Directors in the DAC together. We had many laughs over the years and at his retirement party even some tears. Always a class act and I truly feel lucky to have had the honor of knowing her. -Amy Beckham
