Venna M. Rasmussen Matsu

On the morning of June 5, 2018 Venna M. Rasmussen Matsu returned home to her Father in Heaven, concluding a very long, challenging, and adventurous life.  She had a deeply longed-for reunion with her beloved Boyson, her daughter Kirsten, her parents, grandparents, and many friends.
Venna was born in rural Utah, and raised by self-sacrificing parents during The Great Depression.  Rising above humble beginnings she went on to work in the United States Civil Service as a secretary during and after World War II, followed by service as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in El Paso, Texas and Los Angeles, California—Spanish-speaking.
Her first significant employment was at Fort Douglas, Utah—which became the launching ground for traveling the world.  Her employment with the government gave her the opportunity to visit or live in Guam, Panama, the Philippines, Medellin Columbia, and Hong Kong.
Destiny took her to Hawaii, where she was employed at Hickam Air Force Base.  While living in Hawaii she met, through mutual friends, Boyson Matsu.  Their association led to marriage, which began by being sealed for time and eternity in the LDS Laie Hawaii Temple, and becoming parents to Edwin, Kirsten, and Brent.  She taught her sons their foundational understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Venna delighted in her grandchildren:  McKenna, Gavin, Brady and Ainsley.
She had a passion for crafts, stenciling, travel, history, reading, genealogy, as well as the Danish, Hawaiian and Panamanian cultures.  Venna continued to learn and grow, and to have a curiosity and passion about life into her 90s.  She is survived by her sons, her brother Herbert (Amy) Rasmussen, her four grandchildren, and her Hawaiian ohana.
A viewing will be held Monday, June 11, 2018 at 10:30am at the LDS Buttercup Ward chapel—1600 East Buttercup Drive (10100 South) in Sandy, Utah.  Funeral services will follow at noon.  Private interment will be at The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (“Punchbowl”) in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Deepest gratitude is expressed to faithful visiting teachers and home teachers (particularly John Jongejan), supportive neighbors, Benay her CNA of several years, Good Shepherd Hospice, and the excellent and caring staff of Brighton House Assisted Living—Riverton.  Aloha Oe, Jeg elsker dig, and vaya con Dios…until we meet again.  Services furnished by Lake Hills Mortuary.
Service Information
Viewing June 11, 2018 at 10:30 - 11:45 AM
Buttercup Ward Chapel, 1600 East Buttercup Drive (10100 South), Sandy, Utah





Funeral Service
June 11, 2018 at 12:00 PM
Buttercup Ward Chapel, 1600 East Buttercup Drive (10100 South), Sandy, Utah