Obituary published on Legacy.com by Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory on Oct. 1, 2025.
Hans Arend Rasmussen of Owensville, Missouri, was born July 17, 1959, in Evansville, Indiana, to Jerry Joseph and Dolores Mae (née McCurry) Rasmussen. He entered into rest on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in Cameron, Missouri, at the age of 66 years.
A 1977 graduate of Belle High School, Hans spent part of his youth attending St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Hannibal, Missouri. Even in his younger years, he was known for his adventurous spirit, mischievous smile, and ability to make friends wherever he went.
Hans proudly served his country as a United States Marine, carrying with him the discipline, strength, and brotherhood he gained there for the rest of his life. After his service, he dedicated more than 30 years to law enforcement, working in various departments across Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas. He most notably served nine years as the Marshal of Bland, Missouri, where he became a respected figure in the community-equal parts protector, mentor, and friend. Hans was known for his strong presence, quick wit, and legendary storytelling. His tales could keep a room laughing and hanging on every word, and while they sometimes sounded too wild to be true, they usually were.
A man of many talents, Hans was never afraid of a challenge. He owned and operated a construction company, working in truss setting, landscaping, painting, and more-earning a reputation as a "jack of all trades." He spent several years working in the oil fields and later retired from Jack Cooper, hauling cars, in 2021. Hans was also a gifted artist with a natural ability to draw or create anything he set his mind to.
Hans was a proud member of Teamsters Local 604 and the American Legion and also gave his time to the Bland Volunteer Fire Department and the Rosebud Volunteer Fire Department for a time.
Outside of work, Hans lived life to the fullest. He was happiest when riding his Harley down an open road, casting a fly line across a quiet stream, turkey hunting in the early morning woods, or floating down the river with good company. He loved firing up the grill and was especially known for his pork steaks, always shared with laughter, music, and a cold drink. His grandchildren lovingly called him "Papa Hans," and his friends knew him as "Hanster Monster." To all, he was a steady source of love, humor, and pride.
Hans's life was rooted in family and friendship. He had a gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Whether through a story, a joke, or a helping hand, Hans left an impression on everyone he met.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Volund "Boogie" Rasmussen.
He is survived by his children, Jared Rasmussen (Unice), Gretchen (Chris) Carlson, Michael Rasmussen (Nicole), Megan (Zach) Schulenberg, Antonio "Tony" (Jenny) Sanders, and Jenna (Justin) Long; grandchildren, Gracyn Schulenberg, Brody Erickson, Rylynn Rasmussen, Shepard Schulenberg, Kailee Sanders, Cohen Schulenberg, Jai-Lyn Sanders, Antonio "Mikah" Sanders, Claire Carlson, Brooks Schulenberg, Case Carlson, and one on the way; siblings, Linda (Johnny) Gast, Cheryl (John) Hoffman, J. Eric (Stephanie) Rasmussen, and Sigrid (Steve) Enloe; devoted mothers to his children who remained his dear friends, Jeanette Gaarder and Connie Rasmussen; his four-legged companion, Tigger; along with numerous other extended family and friends.
Hans's legacy lives on in the stories he told, the laughter he sparked, and the love he poured into his family and friends. To know Hans was to love him. He will be remembered always as "The Man, The Myth, The Legend."
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 20th, 2025 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. with a Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 404 S 1st St, Owensville, MO 65066. A Graveside Service with military honors will immediately follow at Countryside Memorial Cemetery in Caanan, Missouri.
A luncheon/celebration of life will be held after the graveside at the Legion Hall in Rosebud, MO
Memorial donations may be made on behalf of Hans to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or
Wounded Warrior Project.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street,
Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com
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