Russell Olaf Rasmussen

Russell O. Rasmussen, 75 of Ponca, NE passed away at home November 8, 2024 surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 13th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in South Sioux City, with Father Mark Beran (St. Patrick’s in Jackson, NE) officiating. The visitation will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 12th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with the Knights of Columbus leading a rosary service beginning at 6:30 p.m. and Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a Dakota County American Legion Post, Freedom Park in South Sioux City and Dakota City and Ponca Fire Department. Online Condolences may be offered to the family at www.meyerbroschapels.com

Russ was born on January 13, 1949 in Mitchell, SD to Raymond and Clara (Drafahl) Rasmussen. Russ lived a life of service to country and community. In 1968, following high school graduation, he enlisted in the military. Russ served as a helicopter mechanic in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1973. That same year, he married Kathy Kokesh. The couple were longtime residents of Dakota City, NE where they raised their sons Clint and Brad and daughter Donelle. Kathy passed away in October 2000 after battling cancer for several years. Russ married Julie (O’Neill) Rasmussen in 2010. The couple were together for 22 years, married for 14.

Russ’s military aviation background led him to a job as an airplane mechanic with IBP. He later became a co-pilot and mechanic at MidAmerican Energy, transitioning later to a position in Building Services. He retired in 2011 after 28 years of service. Throughout his career and after retirement, Russ belonged to the Dakota City American Legion Post #376 (serving as Commander for over 10 years) and was currently serving as Commander at Jackson American Legion Post #175. In addition, he belonged to VFW Post #10573 and Knights of Columbus Council #3844. Russ spent countless hours lining the streets of Jackson and Dakota City with flags prior to each and every military celebration or holiday and participated in flag retirement ceremonies at Freedom Park in South Sioux City. It was important to him that every local veteran had a proper military funeral and participated in numerous military rights. Russ felt it was his duty to provide this last honor to those that served and there was never too many for the detail.

Russ led a life of service not only to his community but to his family. He loved spending time watching grandkids compete in sporting events, local theater and music productions. During any visit, if you mentioned needing his advice on a household project, he would begin the work and have it completed before you knew it. Of course, we may have to take a break if his Cubs were playing. His philosophy was to fix things before replacing them and do the job right from the start. Even into his 70s he could outwork anyone half his age.

Those left to honor his memory are his wife Julie; his children: Clint (Jennifer) Rasmussen, of Dakota City, NE, Donelle (Jamie) McNaughton of West Des Moines, IA, Brad (Zonia) Rasmussen of South Sioux City, NE, and stepchildren Carla (Mike) Kreegar of Raymore, MO, and Jon (Angie) Richards of Polk City, IA; nieces Samantha (Joe) Koktan and Molly O’Neill who lived with him, brothers Michael Rasmussen, Dennis (Darla) Rasmussen, and Shannon (Bonnie) Rasmussen, brothers-in-law Ronnie (Chris) Kokesh, Michael (Jan) Kokesh, Dan (Jacki) O’Neill, sisters-in-law Karen Lich, Connie (John) Dusek, Lori (Brian) Iverson, Jane Dillon (Jim Mullin), Jeanie Maxfield (Bob Casey) as well as 17 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Russ is preceded in death by his father Raymond Rasmussen, mother Clara and stepfather Don Clark, first wife Kathy Rasmussen, parents-in-laws Michael & Florence Kokesh Sr., Frank & Noma O’Neill, brothers-in-law Jerry and Brian O’Neill, and Jim Dillon, sister-in-law Rosemary Rasmussen, and nieces Cayla Westendorf, Rachel and Becky Kokesh.

Russ, we love you and will miss you….forever & a day.

Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/rA3wWR5ujX4