Daniel Douglas Rasmussen

1973 - 2024

Daniel Douglas Rasmussen, 50, of Shawnee, Kansas passed away January 30th, 2024, at his home. He was born November 8,1973 to Carol (McOstrich Rasmussen) Bonness and Delmar Rasmussen in Lincoln. He attended Lincoln Public Schools and graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in 1992. While in high school he participated in football and track. He also became involved in Taekwondo winning second at nationals in weapons. He also taught at Longoria's ATA Blackbelt Academy in Lincoln.

After graduation he continued his education at the University of Nebraska Lincoln majoring in criminal justice and psychodrama.

While at the University he as a member of Theta Xi Fraternity. He also enjoyed participating in the melodramas in the summers at Mahoney State Park. In 2004 he received his master's degree in counseling/psychology from Doane College.

Dan and Traci Petska were married on June 11th, 2005, in Lincoln.

They were blessed with two daughters, Alana Dae and Neleigh Nicole. Although the marriage ended in 2020 they continued to co-parent their girls and remained best friends. He treasured his daughters.

Dan lived the last ten years in Shawnee, Kansas, but Nebraska was always his home. At the time of his death he was the clinical director at the Center for Discovery. He dedicated his life to helping others in the substance abuse addiction field, something he, unfortunately, struggled with daily. He was amazing at his job, touching many clients lives and enriching those around him. He had recently been nationally accredited.

Dan was an avid lover of the Nebraska Huskers, the Boston Red Sox and the Kansas City Chiefs. He will be remembered for the mischievous side of his personality that made him love practical jokes and keeping his family and friends entertained.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawnee.

Survivors include his daughters, Alana and Neleigh, Topeka, Kansas; sisters Laura (Corey) Decker, Victor, New York, Karen (Mark) Warren, Lincoln, Nebraska; brother Steve (Jennifer) Rasmussen, Overland Park, Kansas; nieces Meg Warren, Ainsley Decker, McKinley Decker, Sydney Rasmussen; nephews Bryant Decker and Kyle Rasmussen. Stepfather Bryce Bonness, Lincoln, Nebraska; aunts, Rita (Roger) Jones, Minden, Nebraska, Patricia (Arthur) Hughes, Bethesda, Maryland and several cousins. His two dogs, Louie and Benny, who were his constant companions.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Douglas John, and numerous grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made for his daughter's Alana and Neleigh. Thank you for your support.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/dan-ramussens-family-alana-and-neleigh?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

If you prefer, you can mail to:

T/D Traci Westerhaus

7303 SW 24th Street

Topeka KS, 66614

The family is honoring Dan's wish for cremation.

A Celebration of Life will be held February 24th, 2024, at 5:00 P.M at the Apothecary Loft located at 140 N Eight street in Lincoln Nebraska. Dress Code... Casual Bring on your best KC Chiefs, Huskers or Red Sox Attire.

If you, or someone you know is suffering from depression, please call 988 suicide and crisis lifeline