Dick Rasmussen

Dick Rasmussen’s life on this earth came to an end on Friday, February 26, 2016. His “bigger than life” character means that he will live on forever in the hearts and memories of the countless people whose lives he so wonderfully touched. He leaves behind his loving wife of nearly 28 years, Peg; his two daughters, Sue Rasmussen and Renee (Jim) Jordan, both of Grand Rapids; stepson Chad (Kari) Telgenhof of Wisconsin and stepdaughter Kerri (Mike) Kartel of Florida; eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren; brother: Tom (Gail) Rasmussen of Rochester Hills, MI; brothers-in-law; John Schneider of Texas, Tom (Dodie) Zolman of Grand Rapids, MI and Bill Wetherbee of Greenville, MI; sister-in-law: Jane Zolman of Holland; several nieces and nephews.

As a young man Dick served his country, enlisting twice in the military. At the end of World War II, he served in the Merchant Marine on the Liberty Ship. Years later, he joined the U.S. Army and served time in Korea just prior to the Conflict there. His military experiences brought him to many locations around the world which fueled his keen curiosity and interest in global concerns. In his later years, he was a member of the American Legion.

Dick was born in Detroit and lived the first half of his life there. He then moved to Holland, residing here his remaining years. His degrees from Wayne State University launched his elementary school teaching career. It spanned more than forty years and included teaching in both Detroit Public Schools and Holland Public Schools. Advocating for educators and public schools, he also was actively involved for many years in the professional education association, providing important leadership in that organization.

A source of great pride for Dick was his Danish and his Scottish heritage. He was a first generation American in his family. He maintained a lifelong membership in the Danish Brotherhood, and he also attended many Scottish festivals throughout the years. He was known to appear in his kilt for special occasions. Another one of his passions was downhill skiing. Gliding down the slopes was as important to him as breathing; he was poetry in motion. He will also be remembered by many for his years of involvement in our local community theatre. One of his favorite roles was playing the lead in “God’s Favorite”. On a more practical side, he was an incredibly talented handyman and always had several projects going on at the same time. He was especially good with the paintbrush and tackled interior painting jobs with boundless energy more times than can be counted. His most recent involvement was volunteering at the Holland Hospital, a job he truly loved. There, he served patients, staff and public in the Errand and Escort office.

A memorial service, to honor and remember Dick, will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Community Church of Douglas, 6874 Wiley Road, Douglas, MI.(For GPS directions only, use the following: 6874 Wiley Road, Fennville, MI 49408). Rev. Jeff Messner and Rev. Dr. Dan Miller will be officiating. Burial will be in Grand Lawn Cemetery in Detroit.

A time for visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Friday, March 11, 2016 at the Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street, and from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army, 111 Spruce Ave., Holland, MI 49423, Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423 or to the Community Church of Douglas, PO Box 338, Douglas, MI 49406. To sign an on-line registry or leave a memory please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com