Gladys Emma Rasmussen

Gladys Emma Rasmussen, the daughter of Lloyd and Ada (Fleming) Miller, was born July 3, 1918, at her parents’ home in Corning, Iowa and died October 1, 2014, at the Friendship Home in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 96 years, 2 months, and 28 days.
When Gladys was young her parents died and she lived with her Grandmother for several years. She was baptized as a baby in the Christian Church in Odvrols, Iowa. At the age of 14 she moved to Audubon, Iowa to live with her Aunt and Uncle, Lela and Ed Stubblefield. Gladys was confirmed at the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon, Iowa. She attended Audubon High School graduating with the High School Class of 1936. In 1937 she moved to Des Moines, Iowa and received training at the Capital City Commercial College. Gladys returned to Audubon and worked in the Superintendent’s office in the Audubon High School for 5 years.
During World War II, she married Leonard “Shorty” Nelson. Leonard was in the service and was killed in action in Germany a year later. During the War, Gladys worked at the ordinance plant in Des Moines, Iowa in the personnel office doing secretarial work. She returned to Audubon where she was employed as the Deputy Recorder in the Court House and then worked in the Engineer’s office. Later she worked at the Nishna Valley Milling Company.
On September 3, 1950, she was united in marriage to John Leonard (Ras) Rasmussen in Des Moines, Iowa. One son, John Thomas was born to this union. They made their home in Audubon. In 1958 following the flood, Gladys worked for a time for the Small Business Office. Then was a home maker for many years. “Ras” died March 5, 1980. Gladys enjoyed her homes then moved to the Friendship Home in Audubon in July of 2010.
Gladys was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon. She taught Sunday school and Vacation Church School. She belonged to the Mariners Married Group, served as a Deacon and on the Christian Education committee. She sang in the Church Choir, was a member of the Women’s Group, and was involved in many other church activities. Gladys was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a member of the P.E.O. sisterhood.
Gladys was preceded in death by her two husbands: Leonard “Shorty” Nelson and John Leonard “Ras” Rasmussen, her parents; her brother Kenneth Miller; her Grandmother; Her Aunt and Uncle Ed and Lela Stubblefield, and her cousin who was raised as a sister with her Joan “Jody” (Stubblefield) and husband John Herrick.
Survivors include her son Tom and wife Sue Rasmussen of Audubon, Iowa; her grandchildren Matt and wife Julie Rasmussen of Polk City, Iowa and Rachael and husband Nathan King of Audubon, Iowa; her great grandchildren Caleb, Grace, and Jordan Rasmussen all of Polk City, Iowa and Maya and Kamdan King both of Audubon, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.