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David Rasmussen Obituary
May 14, 1959 - April 29, 2013
SALEM - After a valiant fight against blood and bone disease, David Duane Rasmussen passed away peacefully at the age of 53 on Monday, April 29, and is now with the Lord.
Dave was born on May 14, 1959 in Medford, Oregon to Don and Millie Rasmussen. Raised in Portland, Dave graduated from Sherwood High School in 1977. He attended trade schools and graduated from Christ for the Nations College in Dallas, Texas in 1985. David married the love of his life, Janelle Boden, in 1984 and they settled in Salem, Oregon in 1993. Dave was involved with various civic organizations, was a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary, and was an active member of Morning Star Community Church.
A true outdoorsman, Dave loved spending time camping, rafting and mountain climbing. He fished from the Northwest to the Caribbean and hunted his way from Alaska to Africa. He always embraced a challenge while chasing his dreams. A talented carpenter and builder, Dave was a self-employed contractor, and built his own beautiful homes. He was very ambitious in all he did, from adventures in nature to the job site.
Throughout his life, Dave was called by God to generously share his skill set through hands-on service projects, such as church-building mission trips in Fiji, Samoa and Belize, and roof construction in Malawi. From service in Romanian orphanages to disaster relief after Katrina and floods in Vernonia, Oregon, David was always using his talents for the betterment of others.
Dave's faith in Christ was apparent in his compassion, humility and genuine passion for serving others. He was always generous with his time, talent and resources, faithful to his word and to God. Dave always approached his work and his service with a "can-do" attitude, and strove to achieve whatever he set out to accomplish.
Dave dearly loved his family. His only granddaughter especially brought a sparkle to his eye, even to the very last day. Dave is survived by his wife Janelle, mother Millie, brothers Ken (Darla) and Jim (Colleen), and children Ryan (Roni and granddaughter Zoey), Ben and Elisa (Joe).
Visitation will be Sunday from 2pm - 5pm at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service. A celebration of David's life will take place at 2 pm on Monday, May 6 at Morning Star Community Church. To honor David, the family requests that donations may be made in his name to "Good Samaritan Malawi" c/o 2445 SW Crestdale Dr Portland, OR 97225.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Rasmussen
Murray Alcock
January 13, 2023
Hey Janelle
I saw an old photo of you and Dave in a photo album yesterday so googled you.
I´ve just come across this sitting here in New Zealand, don´t even know if this site is still active.
So sorry to hear of Dave´s passing.
He sounds wonderful.
Funnily enough I often think of you over the years and how you´re going.
I hope you and all your family are going well.
Jo and I are powering on and would love to connect with you someday.
Lots of love
Murray and Jo Alcock
June 14, 2013
Did not have the pleasure of knowing such and amazing young man, but did know Don and Millie. Our thoughts are with you and the family.....
John & Therese Gibson
Medford, or
Wes & Paula Holt
May 6, 2013
Our hearts are heavy for you at this time of loss. Dave was a great man that inspired us all, by his example, to serve. A true servant leader. He will be missed.
Cyndy and Ray Foster
May 4, 2013
Dear Janelle, Aunt Millie and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
May 3, 2013
Prayers to all the Rasmussen family.
Love the loneys
Loyal Severson
May 3, 2013
Davids Dad Don and I were close to the same age and we have the same second name. Sorry for the familys loss but heaven got a saint. Loyal& Paula Severson
Bill & Jan Rasmussen
May 3, 2013
Our prayers are with you.
Tom Faber
May 3, 2013
RIP Dave. You will be missed by many but never forgotten.
May 3, 2013
We will miss our cousin David on this earth, but know he is at rest with our Lord and troubles are now gone. We enjoyed the few family times we were able to get together at family picnic's and other events, and those times were always great and grand. Our family heritage is shared and we are grateful for that and the blessings that we all share together in that. We send our love to the family and plan to attend your memorial service on Monday - celebrating a "Life Well-Lived" Our love to all....Jim & Carol DeKorte
Rod and Gail Juranek
May 3, 2013
Janelle and family,
We thank God for Dave's life and ministry. I recall his love for the children in Romania as he volunteerd there. Memories of being on the Salmon River with him, your son, and his father will always be cherished. My our Lord comfort you and yours during this time.
Chuck Lucas
May 3, 2013
Rest in peace, brother, and enjoy being in the presence of our Lord.
Roger & Lois LeFever
May 2, 2013
such a nice man and was a great landlord.
Carl Robins jr
May 1, 2013
Dave was one of my few friends. A most generous man and an example of a Christian business man. I will miss him.
Carl & Donna Robins
May 1, 2013
We always loved talking, visiting & working with Dave. Sending much love and prayers to Janelle and family.
"For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain"
Joel and Germa Hancock
May 1, 2013
Dear Janelle, Millie, Ken, Jim, Ryan, Ben, Elisa and family -
Our hearts are heavy with the news of Dave's passing and we truly grieve with you. It was a privilege to have known Dave and we will miss him on this earth. Thinking back, I remember that all three of our sons had the opportunity to work with Dave and be influenced by his life, Eltimon in Vernonia and Jeremy and David in Malawi. Dave reflected Christ in his life lived out and thus could have lived no more fully than he did.
As we share your grief we also share your hope in the Life and Glories soon to be revealed...
You remain in our prayers and in our thoughts,
ROBERT WILEY
May 1, 2013
We are saddened by the the untimely passing of a good friend. He will be truly missed.
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