Gerald 'Jerry' Dee Rasmussen, 96

Gerald 'Jerry' Dee Rasmussen, 96, passed away Sunday, March 12, 2023.

Jerry was born November 12, 1926, in Elk Point, SD, the eldest of three sons.

Without waiting to receive his high school diploma, Jerry enlisted in the Navy to serve in WWII. When he returned state-side, he made his home in California, followed by his two brothers, Robert “Bob” Clayton Rasmussen and Bernard “Bud” Ross Rasmussen. In 1951, he married Nancy Reaves, with whom he raised three children. Throughout his life, he worked hard to make sure they were taken care of and felt loved.

For a time, Jerry lived in Oregon, which he loved, before returning to the Midwest in 1989, where he lived the rest of his life. He was followed to Iowa by his daughter, Kathi Rasmussen Griffin, a graduate of the University of Iowa who now lives in CA, and his two sons, Clayton Ross Rasmussen of Hampton, IA, and Erik Louis Rasmussen of Iowa Falls, IA.

Jerry loved his family, his friends, and the Lord. One long-time friend said of him, “Heaven will be improved with him there.” He enjoyed singing, playing cribbage, and telling stories, many of which he shared more than once. He had several catch phrases, but when it was time to say good-bye, he often concluded, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” If something needed doing, however, he’d do it.

Jerry is survived by his brother Bob, Nancy Reaves, his 3 children Kathi, Clay, and Erik, and daughter-in-law Julie Tripp-Rasmussen; 9 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandson. On Jerry’s last day, granddaughter Autumn Garrard, her dad Clay and uncle Erik were with him to give comfort.

Counsell Woodley Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hampton is caring for Jerry and his family. No services are planned at this time.

www.counsellwoodley.com