Carol M. (Marie) Rasmussen

Carol Marie (Einspahr) Rasmussen went to her heavenly home on December 11, 2024, at the Howard County Medical Center in St Paul, Nebraska after experiencing complications from a heart attack, congestive heart failure and Covid. Carol was the daughter of Victor and Edna (Leopold) Einspahr and was born November 16, 1935, in Kenesaw, Nebraska. She grew up on a farm near Doniphan and Trumbull and graduated from Trumbull High School in 1953. On March 28, 1954, Carol married Don Hollister and they had four children. The family lived in Hastings where she was a nurse's aide at the Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska. The couple divorced. While working for L’eggs pantyhose throughout Kansas and Nebraska she was introduced to a kind-hearted veterinarian from St Paul, Nebraska.  Lyle Eldon Rasmussen and Carol were married on July 8, 1977, and began a joyful life in St. Paul.

The couple shared a love for traveling to various locations for veterinarian conferences, adding side trips to explore more of the country. Carol and Lyle especially liked staying at bed and breakfasts, meeting fascinating people, and savoring the local cuisine.  At home, Carol was a good cook, utilizing her multitude of cookbooks and magazines. She had an eye for decorating spaces and shopped for beautiful items with which to entertain. A devoted partner, Carol worked alongside Lyle at the St Paul Veterinary Clinic. She was a current member of PEO Chapter AP, a former Nebraska Veterinary Auxiliary President and served twenty-three years on the Howard County Medical Center Board. Her deep faith in God was central to her life and she was passionate about sharing her hope of eternal life with others.

Carol is survived by her loving husband, Lyle, who was her steadfast companion and dearest friend. She took great pride in her four children, seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Children are Deb (Bob) Karle of Waterloo, NE, Kevin (Kim Kelley) Hollister of San Antonio, TX, Doug (Sherrie) Hollister of Hastings, NE and Tricia (Jeff) Buchanan of St. Paul, NE. Her grandchildren who gave her immense joy include Liz (Matt) Dibbern, with Natalie and Simon from Lincoln, NE, Kate (Chris) Fuller, with Kayla and Callie from Elkhorn, NE, Chandra (Jason) Hawley, with Wayde, Ada and Oden from Aurora, NE, Brant (Deidre) Hollister, with Lydia and Violet from Kearney, NE, Chris (Brittany) Hollister, with Collins and Londyn from Hastings, NE, Justin Buchanan from Madison, WI and Travis Buchanan from San Francisco, CA.

Carol is also survived by her brother, Lamoine (Emaline) Einspahr from Hastings and nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Janis Brunken.

Her celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM at Christ Lutheran Church in St Paul, NE.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Christ Lutheran Church or the Howard County Medical Center.