A familiar face at Albert Lea City Hall retired last week after nearly 25 years of service to the city and its residents.

As administrative assistant in the city manager’s office since 1985, Kay Rasmussen has worked under seven mayors and numerous Albert Lea city councilors.

She’s seen Albert Lea at its high points and low points, and through it all, she’ll tell you she’s loved her job.

Looking back over her career as the administrative assistant, Rasmussen said the position brought her many rewards — and lots of learning.

“All in all I just had a wonderful career, Rasmussen said. “It didn’t matter what title I had, I just loved serving the people.”

As administrative assistant, Rasmussen was responsible for keeping track of the city manager and the council — keeping them at the right places at the right times. Often to reach City Manager Victoria Simonsen, a person would have to go through Rasmussen first.

She also scheduled meetings for department heads and the city manager, did licensing work for the city clerk and took calls from the public.

“It may not sound like a lot — you’re doing letters, you’re filing, you’re running here, you’re running there,” she said. “Basically what the job is, is customer service. It comes down to being as helpful to the public as you can be. Sometimes it’s not easy.”

Age: 65

Address: 208 Burr Oak Drive

Livelihood: retired administrative assistant for the city of Albert Lea

Family: husband, Vern Sr.; children Vern Jr., Dan and Kristina; six grandchildren

Interesting fact: Rasmussen loves gardening. This year she and her husband expanded their garden for their son and daughter-in-law to also use.

But no matter what, she said, she always tried to do it with a smile on her face.

“I like people,” Rasmussen said. “I kind of feel when you share a smile, it’s been a helpful thing for someone. I feel if I’ve done that for somebody, I’ve done what I can.”

Rasmussen said when she first applied for the assistant position in 1985 she had been working in transcription at Albert Lea Medical Center.

“When I got to the age of 40, I thought if I don’t make a change now, probably no one would want me,” she said.

She saw an advertisement for the job and decided to go ahead and apply.

She said she was surprised when Paul Sparks, the city manager at the time, called to ask her for an interview and then later to ask her if she’d take the job.

“It shocked the heck out of me,” she said.

Aaron Summers was mayor.

She said the job has given her a greater love for Albert Lea and an appreciation of what government officials have to go through.

“It’s truly quite an eye-opener,” Rasmussen said. “I never worked in government before I came to the city.”

The mother of three said it was a difficult decision for her to leave the position because she enjoyed the work immensely, but she feels like it’s time for her and her husband, Vern Rasmussen Sr., to enjoy more time together. This way she can also spend more time with her grandchildren.

“I thank the city humbly for giving me the chance,” she said.

Simonsen said Rasmussen was a dedicated and committed employee to the city.

“She was one of those employees who was always hesitant to use a sick or vacation day,” the city manager said. “She really does have a really good understanding and appreciation and love for our community.

“Her operation of the city was invaluable. She helped keep us organized.”

Because of budget cuts, the position will be left open for several months.

Simonsen said, in the meantime, it will take the coordination of three or four people to make up for Rasmussen’s position.

“There will definitely be a big void just in the amount of knowledge and history,” Simonsen said. “She will be greatly missed.”