James Rasmussen

James D. Rasmussen James was born in Sarfjord, Norway on May 21, 1927 to Ole and Selma Rasmussen. When he was two years old, his mother brought him and his three siblings to America. He was able to go to school until the 8th grade and then went to work to help his family. When he was old enough, he enlisted and served in the United States Army as a machinist apprentice. Following his honorable discharge, he met the love of his life, Helen Jane Fox. They were married on October 1, 1948 in Brainerd, Minnesota. James was a machinist at Burlington Northern Railroad Company and retired over 30 years ago. Outside of work and his family, James loved to fish from his boat, go camping with his wife, play cribbage and cards, and walk his dog, Lucky. He was very active and still swam laps daily at the YMCA. He proudly completed his GED in 1992. James will be remembered for his honesty, kindness, humor, and infectious laugh. James passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of July 6, 2016. He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Helen Jane Rasmussen; his parents, Ole and Selma Rasmussen; and his siblings, Irene Davis, Ben Rasmussen, and Bud Rasmussen. He is survived by his children, James (Sandy) Rasmussen, Michael (Karen) Rasmussen, Linda (Jeff) Gorton, and Carol (Glenn) Blokzyl; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; his dog, Lucky; and many other family and friends. Gathering of friends and family from 4-7PM on Monday, July 11, 2016 at Mueller Memorial, 835 Johnson Parkway, St. Paul. Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:30AM on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at the funeral home with a second visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment and military honors will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at 2PM.