Lynne Raseman

Lynne Raseman was a beautiful person to know and love. Known for her genuine and good-natured personality, she treated each and every person she met with kindness. Her remarkable fifty-year career as a nurse touched the lives of countless patients and their families. Lynne lived a driven life and held a strong passion for the importance of family. There is no doubt that she will be dearly missed by her special friends and loved ones.

Her story began in 1945. WWII was nearing its final months, the UN was formed, and Harry S. Truman was appointed as the President. Robert Newman Gamble and Margaret Annette (Lasher) Gamble welcomed their youngest daughter, Lynne, into their home on May 29th in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Her older sister, Janet, had died at birth. Lynne’s arrival after her sister, Carol, was a sign of hope and promise to her loving parents during a unique time in our nation’s history.

Lynne was born to a set of hardworking parents. Her father worked for The Upjohn Company and her mother was former school teacher, homemaker, and caretaker for Lynne’s ailing grandmother. Lynne lived an active childhood and enjoyed the band follies before graduating with the Class of 1963 from Kalamazoo Central High School. She followed her dreams of becoming a nurse and graduated in 1966 from the Bronson School of Nursing. She recalls her time in nurses training living in the Truesdale Dorm and dating her future husband Edgar as one of the happiest times of her life. A natural healer, Lynne thrived in her career taking care of others. Her experiences watching her own mother care for her grandmother created a clear career path for Lynne’s interest in nursing. Although her primary focus was OB/GYN, her involvement with all facets of medicine was woven throughout her time in the field.

She and Edgar Francis Raseman married on August 20, 1966. He was in the military so their early years were spent in Germany where they made many lifelong friends and many fond memories. Together, they raised two wonderful children; Edgar (Bump) and Teresa (Teri). Lynne worked the third shift in order to be present for the kids. Lynne instilled in her children the values of faith and love. Due to their busy schedules, the children each learned to pitch in around the house. Lynne was a master of creating a balance between work and home. She always carved out time for family trips to Gun Lake at Edgar’s parent’s cottage. These memories were the foundation for her children’s lives. Nothing made her happier than feeling the sun's warmth on her face while listening to the ripples of the water sprinkled with laughter from her family members. As a mother, she wanted nothing but the best for her kids. She and Edgar modeled a strong marriage for them by sharing their love and guidance over the years. Above all, she taught her children to be independent thinkers and self-confident adults.

Lynne enjoyed living a simple life outside of work and family. She was a longtime fan of the Young and the Restless and would watch the Sound of Music any chance she had! Teri remembers being allowed to stay up late to finish the television version of the movie while snuggling next to Lynne. Later in life, she enjoyed the Hallmark Channel movies while knitting special gifts for family and friends. Whenever a family member or friend needed medical questions answered or explained, Lynne was always the go-to person. Over the years, she helped nurse sprains and other ailments. If someone was in need of respite care, she earned the nickname of Raseman Rehab, as she was the one that would volunteer to nurse them back to health. In her seventies, she was thrilled to visit the Caribbean a lifelong dream of hers. All in all, she enjoyed being around people.

Lynne’s loving presence will be deeply missed. She was blessed with living a life of simple pleasures such as Notre Dame football and having the joy of rescue pets by her side. It brought her great comfort, peace and serenity to visit the Notre Dame campus and grotto and hearing the alma mater song. It was evident to all who knew her that she held sincere compassion for people and enjoyed spending time with her family. Sadly, she is gone, yet leaves behind a rich collection of being caring and faithful throughout her life. May her beautiful memories remain in the hearts of her friends and loved ones forevermore.

Lynne Rasman died at her home on Saturday, July 29, 2023. Members of her family include her children: Edgar (Dawn) Raseman IV, Teri (Matt) Wheelright; Grandchildren: Edgar Raseman V, Sydney Raseman, Kaden Wheelright, Kyler Wheelright; Nieces and Nephews: Lisa (DJ) Pascoe, Lynn Ann(Glen) Weller, Robert (Marianna) Lennon; great nieces and nephews: Maeve and Devin Pascoe, Antonio Lennon; cousins: Teri (Craig) Muhn, Kris (Kevin) Donlan, Tim Gamble; Brother in law, George H. Lennon III. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Francis Raseman III, who died in 2005, her parents Robert N. and Margaret A. Gamble; sisters: Janet A. Gamble and Carol J. Lennon.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 10:00am at St. Augustine Cathedral, 542 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo. A Rosary will precede the Mass and a reception will be held at the Oakland Hills Condominiums Clubhouse immediately following the Mass. Visit Lynne’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and to sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church, St. Luke Episcopal Church, University of Notre Dame, SPCA of SW Michigan or to the WMU Bronson School of Nursing in memory of Lynne Gamble Raseman class of 1966 (Attn: Nannatte Morningstar). Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.