Hilda G. Rasmussen, 90, of West Bend, passed away on September 1, 2026, at Charter of West Bend.

Hilda was born on July 6, 1936, in North Carolina, the daughter of the late McDuffy and Ellen (nee Seymore) Boone. She was proud of her family heritage, being a descendant of famed American frontiersman Daniel Boone. Because of that connection, she was affectionately nicknamed “Danni.”

As a young woman, Hilda proudly served her country in the United States Army during the Korean War era. She spent her entire military career stateside at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. It was there that she met the man, Richard, who would become her husband while they were both stationed at Fort Belvoir. The couple married on March 17, allowing Hilda to remain stateside rather than being sent overseas to Germany.

Hilda was honorably discharged from the Army on July 12, 1956. Following her discharge, she continued working at Fort Belvoir in Specifications. She later spent nearly five years just outside Washington, D.C., working for the Military Air Transport Service, where she supported the aircraft used by the President of the United States.

After completing her military service, Hilda remained connected to the values of service and marksmanship. She became a member of the National Rifle Association and earned both Marksman and Sharpshooter qualifications.

In 1960 Hilda and Richard moved to Milwaukee. In 1973, Hilda and her husband moved to the Campbellsport area, where they would make their home. Hilda later worked for 15 years at the Local Loan Finance Company office at 21st and North Avenue in Milwaukee. During her time there, the office was robbed five times, an experience that undoubtedly made for some memorable stories throughout the years.

Hilda and her husband were blessed with two sons. She experienced the unimaginable heartbreak of losing one of her sons in a tragic traffic accident in California. After being widowed, Hilda later remarried and continued to cherish the importance of family throughout her life.

Faith was a cornerstone of Hilda’s life. She was a devoted Christian whose faith guided her through both the joys and hardships she experienced. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of West Bend, where she taught Sunday school for many years and sang in the church choir. As her strength declined, she attended Grace Bible Fellowship Church with her son Kevin and daughter-in-law Pamela, continuing to find comfort and fellowship in her faith.

Hilda had a generous and giving heart and found many ways to serve others. She volunteered at Ivy Manor in West Bend and took the time to learn sign language, allowing her to better communicate and connect with others. She had a particularly special love for children, and that love was returned wholeheartedly by the children whose lives she touched.

In 2017, Hilda had the honor of participating in the 42nd Honor Flight mission. Her son Kevin accompanied her as her guardian, giving them a special opportunity to share that memorable experience together and honor Hilda’s years of service to her country.

Throughout her life, Hilda was never one to sit still. She raced snowmobiles in her younger years and later raised and bred Newfoundland dogs, reflecting her love for animals and the outdoors. She also possessed a wonderful creative side, enjoying painting wildlife, crocheting, and crafting.

Those who knew Hilda well will undoubtedly remember her for her many talents, her adventurous spirit, her generosity, and, perhaps most importantly, her enormous heart. She had a serious love of chocolate, a weakness that brought plenty of enjoyment throughout her life.

Hilda lived a remarkable life filled with service, faith, family, adventure, creativity, and compassion. From proudly serving her country to teaching Sunday school, volunteering, raising animals, creating beautiful works of art, and simply being there for the people she loved, she left an enduring impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced.

The Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Hilda’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.

Washington County Insider article: Hilda Rasmussen from West Bend completes the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight