Shirley Rasmussen, a beloved member of this community for nearly a century, has made a generous contribution to the Campaign for Mason County in honor of her late husband, Jack, and son, Craig.
Shirley’s story is part of the vibrant fabric of Ludington’s history, from her childhood days playing under lilac bushes to her wartime experiences and raising a family here. Her gift to the campaign is the latest chapter in her lifelong commitment to making Ludington a better place.
Shirley’s love for this community began as a young girl, playing beneath her grandmother’s lilac bushes on Lakeshore Drive and observing the summer influx of Epworth visitors. She attended Foster Elementary and lived above her father’s tavern (now Bud’s). As a college student, she worked as a server on a car ferry during WWII, the war’s impact echoing through her community. It was also in those years that she met her beloved Jack at the Oswald Crumb in the Stearns Hotel.
Shirley and Jack married in 1948, and together, they built a life rooted in Ludington. A few years after they wed, Jack was one of 20 pilots sent to fly helicopters in Korea and one of only nine who returned home. Shirley still thinks about her friends – the wives who lost their husbands. “I was one of the lucky ones,” she said.
Jack switched from law to business, eventually owning Atkinson Manufacturing. Shirley, a former teacher, focused on raising their three sons. The family enjoyed sports, the arts, and church, with fond memories of picnics at Ludington State Park.
Later, Shirley and Jack experienced the loss of their son, Craig, to AIDS during a time when understanding and acceptance were scarce. Shirley reflects, “There was no cure, and not much was known about it, especially in small towns.” This motivated Shirley to become a passionate advocate for education and awareness about the disease. To honor their talented son’s memory, she and Jack established arts-related scholarships at Ludington High School and West Shore Community College, and they built a playground at the Ludington Library in his name
Throughout their lives, Shirley and Jack were dedicated supporters of numerous local organizations and initiatives, including the Mason County Promise, the Salvation Army (where Shirley served on the board for 25 years), the local hospital, the Mason County Veterans Endowment, and the sculpture park. Jack is fondly remembered for his commitment to honoring fellow veterans, placing flags at their graves every Memorial Day for 62 years – a tradition cherished by his community.
Shirley’s desire for her legacy is simple but profound: “I want to be remembered for having helped make Ludington a better place.”
Shirley’s generosity echoes the spirit of her late husband, Jack, and son, Craig. Her gift is given on their behalf and with the encouragement of the rest of her loving family: sons Tom and Steve and daughter-in-law Anne Marie, reflecting their collective love for this community.
What will your legacy be? Contact Andrea Large at alarge@cffmc.org or 231.845.0326 to discuss an unrestricted gift, setting up a fund, or other ways to support your community!
Learn more about the Campaign for Mason County here or donate to the campaign.