Mary Rasmussen, NWI Cardboard Boat Race Icon, Remembered by Community

Family says Rasmussen, 55, left behind countless memories through her love of holidays, community involvement, and the annual Cedar Lake Summerfest tradition.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Mary Rasmussen, a longtime resident of Cedar Lake, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on February 21st at the age of 55. Rasmussen was known for her involvement in the community, from organizing elaborate Easter egg hunts to leading the annual Cardboard Boat Race at the Cedar Lake Summerfest. Her family and friends remembered her as the 'glue' that brought everyone together, with a positive outlook despite her struggles with multiple sclerosis.

Why it matters

Rasmussen's death has left a void in the Cedar Lake community, where she was a cornerstone of the beloved Summerfest and its iconic Cardboard Boat Race. Her commitment to family, community, and creating lasting traditions is a testament to the impact one person can have on a local area.

The details

Rasmussen, who lived in a converted summer cabin with her husband and children, was described as someone who 'showed the importance of staying connected.' She was known for her generosity, opening her home and heart to friends, family, and even stray animals. Rasmussen was also an advocate for accessibility, pushing for a wheelchair-friendly playground at her children's school.

  • Rasmussen passed away on February 21, 2026.
  • A celebration of life is planned for Friday, February 28, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Burdan Funeral Home and Crematory in Cedar Lake.
  • Rasmussen had just celebrated Valentine's Day with her husband before her unexpected death.

The players

Mary Rasmussen

A 55-year-old resident of Cedar Lake, Indiana, known for her involvement in the community, from organizing annual Easter egg hunts to leading the Cardboard Boat Race at the Cedar Lake Summerfest.

Ken Rasmussen Sr.

Mary Rasmussen's husband, with whom she shared many adventures and enjoyed traveling to new places.

Corine Rasmussen

Mary Rasmussen's daughter, who described her mother as someone who showed the importance of staying connected and was very generous, taking in friends and stray animals.

Samantha Rasmussen

Mary Rasmussen's daughter, who recalled her mother as someone people would go to for guidance and advice.

Ken Rasmussen Jr.

Mary Rasmussen's son, who remembered his mother advocating for a wheelchair-accessible playground at his elementary school.

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What they’re saying

“She showed the importance of staying connected. She was very generous. She took in all my strays, whether it was a human — a friend who reached out to me because they saw her as a mother, too. Or it could be stray animals, cats, a raccoon. We had an open-door, open fridge policy. She cared about everyone.”

— Corine Rasmussen, Mary Rasmussen's daughter

“The next time she saw her, she was wearing a Yoda shirt that had his sayings on it, and my aunt realized she was quoting Yoda the whole time.”

— Samantha Rasmussen, Mary Rasmussen's daughter

“She taught us to stand up for the little guy, and to look out for everyone.”

— Ken Rasmussen Jr., Mary Rasmussen's son

“This year's Summerfest and Cardboard Boat Races will feel different. There will be a space that cannot be filled and a presence we will miss beyond words. But her spirit will live on in every carefully planned detail, every smiling volunteer, every boat that launches from the shore, and every child laughing in the summer sun.”

— Mary Joan Dickson, Cedar Lake Town Council member

“She was a nana to all. All of our kids' friends called her Mom. She was very caring, lovable, and charitable. She made me a better person. I have a feeling there's going to be a lot of people at her memorial.”

— Ken Rasmussen Sr., Mary Rasmussen's husband

What’s next

The annual Cedar Lake Summerfest and Cardboard Boat Race, events that Mary Rasmussen helped lead, will continue this year, but her absence will be deeply felt by the community.

The takeaway

Mary Rasmussen's legacy in Cedar Lake is one of community, family, and a commitment to bringing people together through shared traditions and experiences. Her passing has left a void, but her spirit will live on through the events and initiatives she championed, reminding the community of the impact one person can have.