Russell J Rasmussen

BURLEY – Russell J Rasmussen was born September 7, 1955, in Burley, Idaho. He was the fourth of six children born to Arvel Ernest and Edith (Lee) Rasmussen. He died February 3, 2018, after a long, grueling battle with cancer.

Russell grew up in the View area, a peaceful, fun-loving boy. He liked bugs, bikes, farms and the outdoors. Russell attended Burley schools and graduated from Burley High School in 1973. In school he played the alto saxophone in the band, which helped cultivate his love of music. After high school, Russell worked on some area farms and attended school at BYU Idaho before deciding to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called to the Japan Fukuoka Mission.

Upon his return from Japan, Russell attended BYU Provo. It was there he met the woman who would become his wife, Shelly, and solidified his love of dance as a member of the BYU Ballroom Dance Team. With the dance team he toured Europe competing in Blackpool, England, where his teams won first place. Upon his return from the dance tour, he and Shelly married and had four extraordinary boys born to them.

His life was devoted to his boys and dear wife. He enjoyed the time he spent with his family, especially playing with his grandchildren.

Russell worked as the head custodian at the Oakley schools for several years, then went to work for Cassia County in the old jail where there were few cells and only four jailers. He saw the building of and transition to the new Mini-Cassia Criminal Justice Center. In October of 2017, he retired.

To those that knew him and loved him, Russell was a gentle man who had a ready smile, a hand to lend, and an abundance of patience.

Russell is survived by his wife, Shelly; sons, Colin (Nicole), Clifton (Sydnee), Jason (Heidi) and Cameron (Ashelee); eight grandchildren, Jeri, Torrence, Annika, Jimmy, Kelby, Clark, Hattie, and Camden; sisters, Irene Rasmussen, Janine Curtiss and Anita Baird; and a brother, Arlen Rasmussen. He is preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Norman.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, February 8, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - View 1st Ward, 490 E. 550 S., of Burley, with Bishop William Heward officiating. Burial will be in View Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 7, at Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from noon until 12:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church.