Donald Andrew Rasmussen
September 7th, 2019
RASMUSSEN, Donald Andrew
Donald passed away peacefully on September 7, 2019 at the Innisfail Hospital at age 91 years.
He was born June 7, 1928 in Camrose, Alberta to Robert and Violet Rasmussen the second of seven children. He was baptized, confirmed, and ordained in the Lutheran Church. Donald married his love Elinor Upham on August 21, 1951 and together they raised five children. After Elinor’s passing, he met and married his second wife, Aslaug Holmes late in life.
Following 7 years as an electrician, and 5 years as an Alberta Government Electrical Inspector, Donald was called into the Christian Ministry and was ordained in 1966. Donald served in the ministry for 50 years in numerous parishes in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Nova Scotia. In his retirement he did private counselling, but still continued to serve parishes as an interim pastor and, pulpit supply.
Donald loved to travel and enjoyed many trips within Canada, as well as all over the world. He had many interests, loved to build things with his hands, and kindly helped out anyone he could. He was a faithful and loving servant who loved the Lord Jesus Christ, which showed in all that he did.
Donald is lovingly remembered by his children, David (Shelly) Rasmussen, Dale (Carvel) Skaret, Barbara Rasmussen; son-in-law, Bob Vergeer; daughter-in-law, Carol Rasmussen; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; second wife, Aslaug; sister, Viola Throndson; and brother, Ken Rasmussen.
He was predeceased by his parents; first wife, Elinor; son, Brian; daughter, Janice; daughter-in-law, Paulette; great-grandson, Spencer; brothers, Adair and Gordon Rasmussen; and sisters, Gladys Osness and Kathleen Throndson.
We give thanks to God for the blessings of joy, laughter, and love that Donald brought to our lives. He will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Donald’s name to Ronald McDonald House Charities, 111 West Campus Place NW, Calgary, AB T3B 2R6 www.rmhcsca.org/donate.
A Memorial Service will be held at Lutheran Church of Good Shepherd, 40 Holmes Street, Red Deer, AB on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at 1:00 pm.
Messages:
My prayers and thoughts are with you all-God bless.
Please accept my sincere condolences upon the passing of husband, father, father in law, grandfather, and great grandfather Don. He and I collaborated in conducting Rostad tours, to Israel/Jordan in 1998, and to the Oberammergau Passion Play in 2000, and became close friends, He leaves a powerful legacy!
Thank you for the condolences, they meant a lot during the toughest times. -One of his granddaughters