Jack D. Rasmussen

Jack Donavon, son of Peder and Karen (Steiniche) Rasmussen, was born January 17, 1926, at Manilla, Iowa. He was raised and attended school in Manilla, graduating in 1944. Jack attended Coyne Electrical School in Chicago and following graduation returned to Manilla to join his father in carpentry work. On June 18, 1947 Jack was united in marriage with Ellen Jane Jensen. They were the parents of three children. The family made their home in Manilla, where Jack built the family homes. He was active in various organizations. He served as a volunteer fireman from 1953 to 1979, several years as chief. Jack was elected to Manilla City Council in 1976 and remained a member for over 10 years. He also served on the Manilla Community School Board, was an ordained Elder of the First Presbyterian Church and member of the Masonic Lodge and Shrine. The Rasmussen Lumber Company was formed in 1947, when Jack became a partner with his father and three brothers. The company served the residential, farming and commercial building needs in Manilla and surrounding communities. Following Jack's retirement he continued his love of bowling, even winning medals in the Senior Iowa Games. He also enjoyed golfing, gardening, whittling and building various items for his three grandchildren. After the death of his wife Ellen in 2001, Jack remained in their home. His health deteriorated during the past two months and he entered the Manor Nursing Home two days before his death there on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at the age of 86 years, and 4 months. Preceding Jack in death are his parents; wife Ellen Rasmussen; sisters Anna Justice (Harold); Mable Prosin (Warren); Elna Bender (Lucien); and Betty Harvey (Bob); brother Leo Rasmussen (Grace); brother Robert Rasmussen (Vivian); and brother-in-law John Heck. He is survived by three children: Keith and wife Nina Rasmussen of Manilla; Kay VanDenBerg and partner Bernie Maczkowicz of Fargo, ND; Kimberly Rasmussen of Omaha; three grandchildren Jill VanDenBerg, Adam Reiff and Ashley Reiff; one great grandson Michael Reiff; sisters Doris Loeffelman (Kenneth) of St. Louis, MO, and Carmen Heck of Bella Vista, AR; brother Otto Rasmussen (Hazel) of Manilla, other relatives and friends. Officiating Reverend Robert Gralapp Recorded Music "On Eagle's Wings" Interment Nishnabotna Cemetery Manilla, Iowa Casket Bearers ~ Fellow Lodge Brothers Jon Vennink Robert Macumber Jon Ludwick Mark Holdsworth Dale Lafrentz James Rasmussen