Evan Emery Rasmussen

Evan Emery Rasmussen passed away on September 22, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind a legacy of a life both ordinary and extraordinary. He was born July 1, 1937, in his beloved hometown of Grace, Idaho, to Emery C. and Verda Crossley Rasmussen.

Evan spent his youth in Grace playing sports, driving too fast, and working hard alongside his friends. He had a deep connection to the land, the people, and the values that shaped his early years.

Evan married Nadine Jenkins on December 28, 1961, and together they welcomed six daughters: Tonda, Carla, Audra, Janna, Gayla, and Dawna. They moved between Washington, California, and Montana, before settling in Chubbuck, Idaho. Evan and Nadine later divorced.

Evan spent most of his career in Water Management. While working with the Burley Irrigation District, he met Janet Whiting. Evan and Janet married in 1983 and Janet's four children; Karla, Lori, Michele, and Bart became his stepchildren. He was proud of his posterity and often talked about having "nine daughters and one son."

During their life together, Evan and Janet shared many hobbies. They enjoyed gardening, hosting holiday dinners, collecting trains and coins, and caring for their home in Meridian, Idaho, where they lived for over 20 years. Summers were a special time when Evan would take the grandkids "slumming" through the thrift stores, the Boise Mall, or wherever his and Janet's whims led them. Evan was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he enjoyed serving in various callings. Retirement brought simple joys; VHS movie nights, good books, serving at the temple, and visiting with neighbors.

In his later years, Evan faced the challenges of Alzheimer's Disease. The past year of his life was spent in the compassionate care of the Reflection Team at MorningStar for whom the family is deeply grateful. Even in his confusion, there were still glimmers of recognition, his trademark humor, and of knowing his loved ones were close. Evan's mind often returned to his 10 children, his siblings, and his parents and he would recite all their names.

Evan is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Deanne, his former wife Nadine Jenkins Rasmussen, his wife, Janet Huber Rasmussen, a grandson Dillon Dean Swenson, and two great-grandson’s Manti Cody Harris, and Waylon Verl Bell.

He is survived by his brother Lewis (Laurie) Rasmussen, sister, Kaylene Rasmussen, daughters, Tonda (Clarence) Cody of Chubbuck, ID, Carla Larsen of Ogden, Utah, Audra (David) Swenson of Chubbuck, ID, Janna Turner of West Yellowstone, MT, Gayla (Andy) Leibenguth of Missoula, MT, and Dawna (Joe) Burket of South Jordan, UT. His stepchildren: Karla (Lyle) Nef of Rupert, ID, Lori (Doug) Farnsworth of Rigby, ID, Michele (Eric) Edgley of Kaysville, UT, Bart (Shelley) Whiting of Boise, ID as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends who will miss him dearly.

A viewing will be held Monday, September 29, 2025, at 9:00 AM at the Grace LDS Church, located at 404 South Main St, Grace, ID followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM at the same location. Evan will be laid to rest in the Thatcher Cemetery, where generations of family rest and wait to welcome him home.

The family expresses their heartfelt thanks to Lori with Mission Home Health and Hospice and to the loving team at MorningStar. Your kindness helped carry Evan and our family through these difficult final steps of his journey.