Vance John Rasmussen Jr.

Vance John Rasmussen Jr., age 77, passed away February 25th, 2022 in his Manistee home with his eldest son and caretaker, Rich, by his side. Vance, lovingly known as “Johnny” by his brothers and sisters, was born on September 13, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan.  He grew up with his 14 brothers and sisters on the family farm in Elbridge Township, Oceana County, and was preceded in death by his parents, Vance and Jassamine (Aiken) Rasmussen, whom he adored.

In 1964, Vance married Carol Saxton (28 years together), they had three children Richard, Robert and Tracy. Vance enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the USS Forrestal (CVA 59) during the Vietnam war, he was on board the Forrestal when the infamous explosion occurred that claimed the lives of 180 sailors. Vance was a proud veteran and wore one of his many USS Forrestal hats daily. After the war, Vance’s education and training as an Aviation Structural Mechanic led him to start his own business, Ludington Automation, alongside his son, Rich

Vance was a proud grandfather, and showed it by wearing his "Grandpa shirt" often. He and his finger puppet, Ziggy, would tell the most elaborate and goofy stories about growing up on the farm and the pig that fell in the mud.  He became a great grandpa to Walker Haines in 2021 and was excited to know another great-grand, Archer Rasmussen, will be making his appearance in June of this year. 

Vance spent his early retired years on the road living in his RV. He was constantly visiting family, sight-seeing, or having fun at the casinos. If he was stuck inside, he was most likely watching Western movies. He was the best berry and mushroom picker, and we will all miss his wonderful home-made pies. Vance loved to travel with his companion of many years, Marcy Wildman, as they adventured across North America and visited 41 states together. 

Tracy’s favorite memories with her father were spending time with the family at the beach. Vance loved a good sunset and visiting. Rob and Rich’s most fond memories were hunting white tail deer in the snow while camping with their dad.  He was a loyal and reliable father who will be missed dearly.

Vance is survived by his three children, Richard Todd Rasmussen of Manistee, Michigan, Tracy Lynn (and Hal) Knight of Atlanta, Georgia, CMSgt (Retired) Robert Vance (and Kandi) Rasmussen of Great Falls, Montana, and their mother, Carol (Saxton) Rasmussen - Dorrell. His grandchildren are Ashley (and Derek) Haines of Canton, Georgia, Evan Knight of Atlanta, Georgia, Colton (and Olivia) Rasmussen, Russell Rasmussen and Reese Rasmussen of Great Falls, Montana. Vance’s brothers and sisters include Brinda Rasmussen, Terri Bumstead, Cathy Holcomb, Denise Rittenhouse (Jay Cowdery), Debra McClelland (Timothy McClelland), Larry Rasmussen (Diane Rasmussen), Dick Rasmussen, Sharon Sibley, Karen Abbot (Bob Abbot), Margorie Buckhalter (Dave Buckhalter). 

In addition to his parents, Vance was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister; Mark Rasmussen, Jack Rasmussen, Rick Rasmussen and Lorena Robbins, and we cannot forget his beloved dogs, Max and Lucky.

Memorials may be directed to Herbert Funeral Home https://www.herbertfh.com. Cremation has taken place and any future arrangements will be announced in the Spring. A special thank you to Rich, who took the best care of our father, grandfather, brother, and great-grandfather over the years.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Vance may do so by sending memorial contributions to his son Richard c/o Herbert Funeral Home, P.C.  706 Kosciusko Street  Manistee, MI  49660.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.