Marvin John Rasmussen

Marvin John Rasmussen, the son of John C. and Ida A. (Krueger) Rasmussen, was born on July 10, 1921, in Hancock, Iowa. He graduated from Tennant (Iowa) High School in 1939. In 1941, he purchased a farm southeast of Kirkman, Iowa. Marvin served in the U.S. Navy from 1945-46, and spent nine months in the Pacific War zone. After receiving his Honorable Discharge, he returned to his farm home, where he lived until his death. On January 15, 1947, Marvin married Iva Mae Cox. They raised two sons, Jon and Michael. Besides farming, Marvin was employed by Walnut Grove Feed Company for 16 years and by Moews Seed Corn Company for 47 years.

Marvin was a member of the Kirkman United Methodist Church and VFW Post 941, Harlan. He was a charter member of the Kirkman (Douglas Township) Volunteer Fire Department, which was formed in 1955. During his 25 year career with the fire department, Marvin held several offices including fire chief; he retired from the department in 1980. He enjoyed traveling vacations with family and friends. His hobbies included woodworking, gardening, fishing, and boating.

Marvin J. Rasmussen died on Friday, May 21, 2004, at the Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 82 years, 10 months, and 11 days.

Preceding Marvin in death were his parents; one brother, Lawrence Rasmussen; and one great-grandson, Matthew Alan Williams. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Iva Mae Rasmussen of Kirkman, Iowa; two sons, Jon (Judy) Rasmussen and Michael (Suzanne) Rasmussen, both of Kirkman, Iowa; one sister, Loretta Baughman of Kirkman, Iowa; one sister-in-law, Virginia Rasmussen of Elk Horn, Iowa; five grandchildren, Kevin Rasmussen and his friend, Natalie Piper, of Kirkman, Iowa, Scott (Michelle) Rasmussen of Elk Horn, Iowa, Kim (Todd) Williams of Harlan, Iowa, Jason Rasmussen and his friend, Emmalie Corbin, of Manilla, Iowa, and Gina (Matthew) Glenn of Harlan, Iowa; five great-grandchildren, Amy Rasmussen, Rachel Rasmussen, Andrea Rasmussen, Jaynie Rasmussen, and Zachary Williams; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 24, 2004, at the Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. Keith Pals of the Kirkman United Methodist Church, Kirkman, Iowa, officiating. Cindy Hanson was the organist and the Kirkman Ladies Choir served as vocalists. Casket bearers were Kevin Rasmussen, Scott Rasmussen, Jason Rasmussen, Todd Williams, and Matthew Glenn. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Kirkman, Iowa, with military rites conducted by the Shelby County VFW Post #941 and the Helmer Reyelt AL Post #150. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements.