Posted by Terry Powers on November 21, 2022:

Raymond J. Rasmussen, age 85, of Minneapolis, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 13, 2012. He was born Aug. 12, 1926, in Hollywood Township. Raymond graduated from Watertown High School in 1944. He attended the US Military Academy, West Point, NY, graduating in 1949, and served 20 years in the military, retiring from the Army with full honors in 1968. After his military career, Raymond taught math at Wayzata High School from 1970 to 1988. Upon retirement from teaching, Raymond enjoyed many entrepreneurial opportunities. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marian; a daughter, Beth Ann (Dennis) Keeton of Greensboro, NC; sons Peter (Marilyn) of Eden Prairie, Phillip of Minnetonka, Paul of New Hope, and Patrick (Robyn) of St. Paul; and seven grandchildren, Bridget, Raeleen (Rob), Kathryn, Kaela (Matt), Joseph, Danielle and Nicholas. Raymond is further survived by a brother, Roy (Mary Lu) of St. Paul; sisters-in-law Marge Rasmussen of Bloomington, and Blanche Wechsler of Alexandria; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Morse and Bridget (Campbell) Rasmussen; a brother, Ralph; brother-in-law William Mueller and his wife, Patricia; and in-law Kenneth Wechsler. Mass of Christian Burial took place Tuesday, March 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Bartholomew in Wayzata. with interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation was Monday, March 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the church, and continued Tuesday, one hour prior to the Mass. Spouse Marian Wanda Rasmussen (Mueller) was born October 13, 1926 and raised in Watertown, MN, daughter of George and Bertha (Ninz) Mueller. Marian went to be with the Lord in her final home on February 4, 2022 at age 95; reunited with Raymond. She married Raymond Joseph Rasmussen on June 19, 1950. Their early years as a military family meant nine locations finally settling in Plymouth, MN in 1968 to be close to relatives. They raised five children and many cats. Marian met Raymond in the 8th grade when his family moved to town. She graduated from Watertown High School in 1944 as the salutatorian while Raymond was the valedictorian. They made a great sweetheart couple. She attended Hamline University, St. Paul graduating in 1948 with an education degree. She taught school in Winthrop, MN until she joined Raymond in Germany following their marriage at Immaculate Conception Church in Watertown, MN on June 19, 1950. Marian and Raymond moved back to Minnesota after Raymond's army retirement and became long time members of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Wayzata. Marian was hired to handle the accounting and administrative duties for the parish for twenty years and upon retirement, she continued to volunteer for many years in several roles. Marian started her family with four children under four years before having her fifth four years later. She tirelessly managed her children's schoolwork, sports and scout leader duties; not to mention meals, clothing and other house responsibilities. Being a military spouse added to her duties during her husband's military career including his absence while deployed to Vietnam. She always said it was family and her friendships that sustained her over her lifetime. She was a loving, supportive wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Marian also enjoyed entertaining extended family during the holidays. She was a prolific reader, loved to cross-stitch, quilt and refurbish older furniture. Later in life, Marian and Raymond took many trips to visit friends and families in other parts of the county and overseas. They also attended class reunions at Hamline, West Point and Watertown along with events and craft shows in Alexandria. Marian will be deeply missed. Her legacy is her family, friendships, faith, kindness and a warm smile. She was the last living member of her generation on her parents' side of the family. She was preceded in death by husband Raymond of 61 years, parents, George and Bertha (Nimz) Mueller, sister Blanche Wechsler, her husband Ken, brother William Mueller, his wife Patricia, brother-in-law Ralph Rasmussen, his wife Marjorie, brother-in-law Roy Rasmussen and four nieces and nephews. She leaves behind her children, Beth Ann (Dennis) Keeton, Peter (Marilyn), Phillip, Paul and Patrick (Robyn); grandchildren, Bridget Keeton, Raeleen (Rob) Fandrich, Kathryn (Ian) Flanagan, Kaela (Matt) Martin, Joseph, Danielle and Nicholas, in-law Mary Lu Rasmussen, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

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