Leo J. Rasmussen

Honoring a Life Leo J. Rasmussen Visitation Sunday, February 6, 2011, 2:00 - 5:00 PM Masonic Memorial Service 4:30 PM Ohde Funeral Home Manilla, Iowa Memorial Service Monday, February 7, 2011, 11:00 AM United Church Manilla, Iowa Officiating Reverend Angie Loomis Congregational Hymns "Hymn of Promise" #707 "My Hope is Built" #368 Patricia Kirby, Pianist Military Honors American Legion Post 132 Honorary Bearers ~ Leo's Grandchildren Scott McLaren Bill McLaren Matt Theophilus Rian Rasmussen Regis Rasmussen Jason Rasmussen Jacob Segebart Sam Factor Kara Roeder Niki Theophilus Suzy Theophilus Adrienne Collins Allison Rasmussen Arynn Rasmussen Jessica Hinners Katie Rasmussen Natalie Segebart Whitney Segebart Leo J., son of Peder and Karen (Steiniche) Rasmussen, was born December 28, 1915, at Omaha, Nebraska. The family soon moved to Manilla, Iowa where Leo graduated from high school in 1934. He worked in Chicago for a year and then came home to join his father in carpenter work. On June 11, 1939, Leo was united in marriage with Grace Murray. They were the parents of six children. Leo spent several years working in various parts of the country (South Carolina, Kansas City and the Alaskan Highway) and was then drafted into the United States Army. Leo served state-side and in Germany during World War II from 1944-1946, earning numerous honors. His family made their home in Manilla, where Leo later served as councilman and mayor for several terms. The Rasmussen Lumber Company was formed in 1947, when Leo became a partner with his father and three brothers. His two sons later joined the business. The company served the residential, farming and commercial building needs in Manilla and surrounding communities. The lumber yard employed many local people over the years. Later a Redi-Mix and branch yard was started in Manning. Leo retired in the early 1980's. He enjoyed golfing and traveling with Grace in his retirement. Leo was a member of the Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Shriner's Temple of Sioux City and United Church of Manilla. Leo moved to the Manilla Manor Nursing Home two months after his wife Grace's death in July of 2010. He died there on Friday, February 4, 2011, at the age of 95 years, 1 month and 1 week. Preceding Leo in death are his parents; wife Grace Rasmussen; sisters Anna Justice (Harold); Mable Prosin (Warren); Elna Bender (Lucien); and Betty Harvey (Bob); brother Robert Rasmussen (Vivian); sister-in-law Ellen Rasmussen; brother-in-law John Heck; and son-in-law John McLaren. He is survived by six children: Katherine McLaren of Cedar Rapids; Karol Theophilus (David) of Fremont, NE; James Rasmussen (Virginia) of Manilla; Jerry Rasmussen (Barbara) of Manning; Kristina Rasmussen (Robert Factor) of Madison, WI; and Karen Segebart (Ryan) of Denison; 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sisters Doris Loeffelman (Kenneth) of St. Louis, MO, and Carmen Heck of Bella Vista, AR; brothers Otto Rasmussen (Hazel) and Jack Rasmussen, both of Manilla;, other relatives and friends. Memorial contributions may be made and will be distributed according to Leo's wishes.