1938 ~ 2024

Ronald Wesley Rasmussen passed peacefully, in his home, on Saturday morning, January 27^th after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on November 14, 1938 in Pleasant Grove, Utah, to Clarence Wesley and Bernice Christiansen Rasmussen and was the oldest of 9 children.

He grew up in Lehi, Utah, and had a wonderful and active childhood. He loved sports and enjoyed playing tennis and football for the Lehi Pioneers. During high school he enlisted and served in the Utah National Guard in the 489^th Brigade Support Battalion. After graduating from Lehi High School and taking a leave of absence from the Guard, he served in the North Western States Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. During his mission he and his companion were asked to attend an MIA activity, in the local ward, in Coos Bay, Oregon. During that activity he met the love of his life Kathleen Moyle, who was living there teaching school. After his mission and her return home to Alpine, they began a wonderful courtship. They were married in the Manti Temple on July 7, 1961 and are the parents of 8 children.

He graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in Math and Education in 1964.

They settled in Alpine, Utah, in the home of Kathleen’s grandparents. The next years were filled with helping his father-in-law run the family farm, a growing family, a house remodel to fit the family and all the extra-curricular activities that would come with raising 7 children. His focus on providing for his family included planting and cultivating a large garden and multiple cornfields, which brought opportunities of teaching work ethic and business acumen to his children and their friends. However, the most important thing he taught was to harvest the never-ending supply of Alpine rocks!

Professionally, he worked as a math teacher and in the insurance business, until he left to start a business with his father. R-CO Inc. provided well for the family and others, for over 32 years, until his retirement in 2011. He was a hard worker and an honest businessman. Those who worked with him knew they would be treated fairly and that he was a man of his word.

As important as his career was, being involved in his community was also a priority. He worked arm-in-arm with Mom as they helped build the local soccer program by volunteering as president, coach and referee. He understood the value of doing their part to make our hometown a better place. In 1982 he was elected to the Alpine City Council and in 1985 was elected and served as Mayor of Alpine for 4 years.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in various church callings. His testimony of Jesus Christ was a pillar to his family and he was always willing to bear testimony of the Savior to his children and grandchildren whenever we would gather together. His testimony was sincere and authentic and was never given for effect. His love for his wife and family were evident in all that he did.

After retirement he and mom served a service mission at the Lindon Dry Pack Cannery for two years and he then served for another 2 years at the Riverton Family History Center. His willingness to serve was further evidence to his family of his love and testimony of Jesus Christ. Example was always the best teacher for him.

He is survived by his spouse, Kathleen and his children Kendall (Karen) Rasmussen, Ann (Clark) Taylor, Doug (Janae) Rasmussen, Nanci (Scott) Roberts, Jodi (Justin) Wilson, Wendy (Shane) Sorensen, Carolyn (Chad) Christensen, 33 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren. His siblings, Donna (Dave)Nelson, Dennis (Sandy) Rasmussen, Mary (Nick) Ryan, Jerry (Vicki) Rasmussen, Milt (Cheryl) Rasmussen, Boyd (Jetta) Rasmussen and Julyn Embley.  He is preceded in death by Baby Rasmussen (daughter), his parents, Wesley and Bernice Rasmussen, his brother Dave and wife Judy Rasmussen and brother-in-law, Ken Embley.

Our deepest gratitude to the nurses of Symbi Home Health and Hospice for their tender service in the care of our dad. Although it was brief, their kindness is genuinely appreciated.

Funeral services will be on Monday, February 5, 2024 at 11:00 am in the Alpine North Stake Center Chapel located at 1125 East Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah and also at an additional viewing on Monday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services at the church.