February 15, 1934 - January 21, 2026
Betty Jean Hassenstab, (Rasmussen), age 91, formerly of Richfield, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Chet and Nora Rasmussen and her husband, Don. She will be greatly missed by; son Mark (Laurie) Hassenstab; daughter, Ann (Steve) Challeen; son, Erik (Denise) Hassenstab and son, Paul (Jennifer) Hassenstab; grandchildren, Amy (David) Pedersen, Emily (Matt) Kortemeier, Scott (Jessica) Challeen, Elizabeth (Perry) Ravet, Jack Hassenstab, Erik Challeen and Adam Hassenstab; great-grandchildren, Greta, Sonja, Ingrid, Esther Pedersen, Isabella Ravet and Luca Challeen. Her husband, Don, was the love of her life and best friend, and her family was her pride and joy and true legacy. Betty was born February 15, 1934 in Austin, MN, graduated from Austin High School in 1952, attended St. Olaf College and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1956. After graduation she moved to Arlington, VA to teach first grade for three years before returning to Minnesota to marry Don on June 28, 1959, whom she had met while at the University of Minnesota. She was very active at Woodlake Lutheran Church, (member since 1967), and some activities close to her heart were, Families Moving Forward, Blessing of the Animals, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Circles, Stephen Ministry and as Communion Minister to the homebound. She was a Para in the Richfield Schools, a private and homebound tutor, teacher of Adult Basic Education and English as a second language for Minneapolis Public Schools and retired in1999. After retirement she continued her love of teaching in Adult Literacy and taught after-school reading and math classes for 5 more years. Betty loved to travel, spend time with her family and go to Destin, FL for a few weeks with Don during the winter. They loved to attend all of the extracurricular activities of their four children and seven grandchildren and are proud to have six great-grandchildren. Betty was so happy to attend her granddaughter, Emily's wedding in November, 2025 and see her be the 4th family member to wear her wedding dress.
Memorials preferred to Woodlake Lutheran Church, The American Diabetes Association or The Epilepsy Foundation.
Visitation
Saturday, February 7, 2026
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Woodlake Lutheran Church
2120 West 76th St.
Richfield, MN 55423
Memorial Service
Saturday, February 7, 2026
11:00 AM
Woodlake Lutheran Church
2120 West 76th St.
Richfiied, MN 55423
Betty did and was so much more than could be mentioned in her sweet obituary. When Betty said she would pray for you, she truly did and would follow up and continue to pray. She was a true prayer warrior.
She loved going on retreats at the Cenacle Retreat Center in Wayzata (since has been closed) where we enriched our spiritual growth and were challenged.
Betty loved Psalm 46 particularly verse 10, “Be still and know that I am God”.
My daughter wrote to me that “Betty is on the ultimate retreat with the Lord”.
With deep love, condolences and respect, I will hold her in my memories and heart.
Linda Northrup
Prudence Meyer says: Betty was admired by me for over 60 years at Woodlake lutheran Church. She was more than a prominent active member. She was super lovely. It was a priveledge to know her.