Muriel Rasmussen

Muriel Rasmussen, 97, passed away September 6, 2026. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 14 at 11:00 AM at Sunne Lutheran Church in Wilton. Visitation will be Sunday at the Bismarck Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 PM.

Muriel Idelle Rasmussen was born on July 30, 1929, in McKenzie, ND to Roy and Githa (Kluksdahl) Smith the same year the Great Depression began. She started country school when she was six years old. She was the eldest of seven children, all of whom attended the school where their mother taught. Muriel graduated from Enderlin High School in 1947.

When she was 18 years-old she met her future husband, Richard Rasmussen, at a barn dance. They married in 1949 and moved to Regan, ND where Richard’s family homesteaded in 1903. She worked in the Vital Records Department at the ND State Capitol until they started a family. At 40 years-old she returned to work at the Regan Post Office until her retirement in 1991.

She served as the clerk for the Regan School Board, was an active member of the local Homemakers Club, served on the Steiber Township Board, and donated countless hours to sewing projects for the missions of Sunne Lutheran Church. She was a cherished host of many card and tea parties and loved a good game of hand and foot. Her husband had a sweet tooth, and Muriel was an outstanding baker. Meals at their home weren’t complete without pie or cake.

Muriel and Richard enjoyed spending time with their many friends in Regan and traveling across the state for lutefisk dinners, the Norsk Hostfest, the State Fair and for various events connected to North Dakota history. They made many wonderful memories in McAllen, Texas over the winter months. Together, they visited all 50 states and Muriel collected keepsake spoons from their adventures. They moved to Bismarck in 2010 and enjoyed 68 years of marriage.

Muriel was an avid reader. She loved the library, reading the paper, and completing crossword puzzles. She was adored by her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren who learned cooking and sewing skills from her, as well as humor and strength. She had a beautiful smile that added warmth to every occasion.

She is survived by her sons, Roger Rasmussen and Gerald (Chloe) Rasmussen; her daughter, Sharon (Doug) Sorenson; her grandchildren Kenneth Rasmussen, Brian Rasmussen, Jeff (Heather) Sorenson, Jodi (Randy Merkle) Sorenson, Holly (Justin) Triska-Dally, Maggie Triska, Branden (Stephanie) Rasmussen, Krystal (Shane) Schoch; and 16 great-grandchildren, Brett, Lana, Aspen, Elliott, Autumn, Braylee, Parker, Baylen, Iris, Mabel Francine, Nico, Freya, Arabella, Charbel, Basyl; and two great-great-grandchildren, Emberly and Cru.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Rasmussen; her parents, Githa and Roy Smith; her children, Lynn Rasmussen and Cheryl Triska; her daughter-in-law Greta Rasmussen; and her siblings Grace (Ray) Haberman, Keith (Rose) Smith, Willard (Clara) Smith, Glenys (Bob) Collins, Marlys (Harlan) Sautner, and Rodney Smith.