Ray Vern Rasmussen

BURLEY – Ray Vern Rasmussen, 86, of Springdale, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather, passed away peacefully Monday, December 11, 2017, at Minidoka Memorial Hospital in Rupert, with many loved ones at his side.

Ray Vern was born March 25, 1931, in Bear River City, Utah, where he was raised by his parents, Raynal Joseph and Alverta M. Simonsen Rasmussen.

From his youth, Ray Vern developed a tireless work ethic that remained with him throughout his life. He spent his days working as a farmer and rancher in Sublett; he also owned and managed gas stations in Malta and Burley for a period of time. He was a skilled mechanic and could fix about anything. In 2012, he was named as the Soil and Water Conservation Cooperator of the Year.

He was active all of his life and loved to snowmobile, which he continued to do nearly to the end of his life. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time at the cabin in Island Park. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ray Vern was the husband of his surviving wife, Romae Anderson Rasmussen; and the father of 13 children, 12 of which are still living: Kevin (April) Rasmussen of Jamestown, North Dakota, Laverne (Lewis) Ward of Golden Valley, Ariz., Danny Joe Rasmussen of Rupert, Karin (Bobby) Killough of Perkins, Okla., Larry (Joy) Rasmussen of Sublett, Wayne (Michelle) Rasmussen of Rupert, Deby (Kyle) Kumasaka of Edmonds, Wash., Dennis (Sherry) Rasmussen of Rupert, Nancy (Rocky) Hensen of Albion, Kristine (Rick) Molina of Burley, Bud (Shelly) Rasmussen of Jerome and Tammy (Kurt) Heward of Springdale. Also survived by his step-daughter, Colleen (Gerald) Brockbank of Erda, Utah; 52 grandchildren; 93 great-grandchildren; sisters, Patty Ramage of Meridian, Lorna Pittsenbarger of Albany, Mo., and Sharon Rasmussen of Albany, Mo.; sister-in-law, Ruth Rasmussen; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Carvil Dee Rasmussen; his sister, Ruth Moore; his son, Robert Rasmussen; and four grandchildren.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, December 15, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Springdale Church, located at 519 E. 200 S., of Burley, with Bishop Scott Turpin officiating. Following the service, Ray Vern will be laid to rest near family members in the Bear River City Cemetery in Bear River City, Utah.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, December 14, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley and for one hour prior to the service at the church.