Allen C. Rasmussen

Allen C. Rasmussen Pennfield Township Allen C. Rasmussen, 85, of Pennfield Township, passed away August 28, 2009. Al was born September 13, 1923 in Edmore, Michigan, to Louie and Pansie (Brott) Rasmussen. Al graduated from Edmore High School and later entered the US Army and served his country during WWII in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. He became a life-long fan of actor, John Wayne, after meeting him and playing a game of checkers with him while in a field hospital during the war. Al married Norma Jean Henry on April 17, 1943 and was happily married for 53 years until her death in 1996. In 1957, Al built the Orchard Park Barber Shop and later Al's Orchard Park Burger House which he owned/operated until 1999. Al helped to organize and start the Calhoun County Sheriff's Posse and served from 1974-1981. He was also a security officer at the Calhoun County Jail and a member of the Calhoun County Sheriff Department from 1976-1981. Allen was active in many organizations. He was president of the Barber's Local from 1954-1969, Past-Master of the Battle Creek Lodge #12 F.&A.M., life member of the VFW Post #1593, D.A.V, National Order of Trench Rats, American Legion Post #54, and a board member of the Calhoun County Veterans Affairs, to name a few. Al is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Boucher) Rasmussen, whom he married June 21, 1997; his children, David Rasmussen, Barbara (Mark) Phillips, Deborah (Larry) Weisner, LeeAnn (Bruce) Boyer of Battle Creek, and Patricia (Mo Rave) Rasmussen of Petoskey, MI; stepchildren Michael (Patricia) Murphy, Robert (Brenda) Murphy, Timothy (Tammy) Murphy, Steve (Mary) Murphy of Marshall, MI; grandchildren Loree Phillips, Brian Phillips, Eric Sweet, Elizabeth Sweet, and Zachary Boyer; 15 step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren Logan Phillips and Christian Calkins; and five step-great-grandchildren. Al was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean Rasmussen; his parents, Louie and Pansie Rasmussen; and one brother Elbert Rasmussen. At the request of the family, friends may call Monday, August 31, 2009 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Funeral services to celebrate Al's life will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.