CORWITH — Paul Alan Rasmussen, 60, of Corwith, died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.
Paul was born Nov. 16, 1956, in Britt, to Forrest (“Pat”) and Blanche (Nedved) Rasmussen of Wesley, and grew up on the family dairy farm.
He graduated from Corwith-Wesley High School in May 1975 and attended Iowa Lakes Community College. He married Linda Marks on June 16, 1979. He accepted Christ as his savior as a young man, and attended the Evangelical Free Church of Britt.
A farmer, commodities trader and banker over the course of his life — Paul’s passion was agriculture. From livestock to machinery to grain marketing, he enjoyed every moment of farming and was singularly driven by the excitement of the challenge it brought.
Paul was very proud of bringing industry to the area. As a member of the Gold Eagle Cooperative Board of Directors, Paul helped spearhead development of the Corn LP ethanol plant in Goldfield, and served on the plant’s Board of Directors from its founding. Within the community, he served as a board member for Kanawha Christian School, where he was also a basketball coach.
Paul also had a love of travel, auctions and collecting. But above all, he was dedicated to spending time with his family and had a special soft spot for his grandchildren.
He will be sorely missed for his generosity and sense of humor, for his kind, big-hearted, larger-than-life personality, and for his passion for people. In every room and in any situation, Paul never failed to make a connection, start a conversation, or brighten someone’s day — even if it embarrassed or astonished his family in the moment.
Years ago, the Gold Eagle Cooperative Christmas party featured a comedian as entertainment. Paul selected a questionable yellow and maroon plaid shirt from his closet of bright clothes, intentionally sat up front, and was unsurprisingly teased by the performer for his choice of clothing. Tickled by the reaction, Paul frequently wore the shirt because he liked “anything that would give someone a reason to talk to him.”
Through those conversations, Paul listened to people’s stories, learned new things and built lasting relationships. Paul could wear any color, because his personality was a rainbow. He loved the Lord, and loved people.
Paul was preceded in death by his father Forrest and his brother Franklin.
He is survived by his wife Linda, his four children and their spouses: Carrie Rasmussen (Richard Cummings) of Modesto, Calif.; Michael Rasmussen (Leslie) of Cincinnati, Ohio; Nathan Rasmussen (Megan) of Britt; Aaron Rasmussen (Alicia) of Bondurant, and five grandchildren: Rowan, Reagan, Hadley, Jude and Tatum.
Paul is also survived his mother Blanche, and six siblings: Don, Dwight, Deb, Sam, John, Ann and their spouses.
A visitation was held Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 from 4-7 p.m. at the Evangelical Free Church of Britt located at 810 2nd Ave NW in Britt. As Paul would have wanted, guests to the visitation are encouraged to wear bright clothes to match his cheerful personality.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at Evangelical Free Church of Britt in Britt. Following the service, the family invited guests to stay for lunch and share memories.
Online condolences can be made at www.ewingfh.com.
A private burial ceremony will be held at a later date.
Paul Rasmussen
Lead Summary