Obituaries

Ann Marie Newman, 80 of Altoona was called to the Lord on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Dove Healthcare-West after a short time under the care of Mayo Hospice.

Ann was born on June 13, 1943, to Vernon and Marietta (Spores) Shafer in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She retired from Mayo Clinic at the age of 70 after many years of doing transcription for them. She enjoyed time with her family and in her younger days she really loved going dancing to “old time” music.

Ann is survived by her beloved dog, Lexi; children, Marie (Jeff) Pagenkopf, Sheri (Pat) Sonnentag, Joyce Berg, and Andy (Jolene) Rasmussen; twelve grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; sister, Linda (Bruce) Baugher; and brother, Joe (Durene) Shafer.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Leroy, Dennis, Bruce, David, and Mike; sisters, Shirley and Bonnie; son, James Rasmussen; grandson, Corey Rasmussen; great-grandson, Tyler Smith; son-in-law, Daryl Berg; and ex-husband and father to her children, Leonard Rasmussen.

A memorial service will be Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 5:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel with Pastor Hal Schroetter officiating. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday. The burial will take place at Brunswick Cemetery.