June E Blackburn

June “Gigi” Blackburn, 98, of Grand Island died Thursday, July 29, 2021, at Tiffany Square in Grand Island. A memorial service will be 10:30 AM Friday, August 6, 2021, at Apfel Funeral Home. The Reverend Kevin Geurink will officiate. Burial will follow at the Grand Island City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Red Cross and the First Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be directed to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.



June Elaine was born on March 7, 1923, in Casper, WY to R. W. (Jack) and Thelma (Stewart) Rasmussen. She grew up in Grand Island and graduated from GISH where she met her future husband. Immediately after high school, June went to Washington DC where she helped with the World War II efforts.



On December 24, 1942, June was united in marriage to William G. Blackburn at the Presbyterian Church in Grand Island. After which the couple lived in Boulder, CO where Bill earned his law degree. The couple returned and made Grand Island their home. Bill died in 2005.



June was a member of Riverside County Club, Friendship Force, Book Club, and PEO. When she was young, she liked traveling back to spend summers in Wyoming. Later she enjoyed traveling especially to China, Japan, Mexico, and Hawaii. June enjoyed golf, fishing, going to garage sales, and entertaining relatives and friends.



Survivors of the family include children: William Michael (Mary) Blackburn of Fruita, CO, James Thomas (Sandi) Blackburn of Kailua Kona, HI, Peggy Sue (John) Phelps of Fairmont, MN; six grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren; brothers; Jack “Bud” Rasmussen, and Richard “Dick” Rasmussen both of Grand Island.



She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Bill; and grandson, Byron Blackburn.