1927
Douglas
2005
Douglas Rasmusson
March 13, 1927 — May 22, 2005
Douglas Erick Rasmusson was born March 13, 1927 and grew up and matured on the shores of Long Lake in Hodges Township, in the house his grandfather Lars Rasmusson had homesteaded. This is a 'Century Farm'. August and Alma Haldorson Rasmusson had a baby girl who lived only a few hours. Later Douglas was born. He was nurtured by loving family and friends, many of whom came to live with August and Alma. Some of these were Grandpa Lars, Uncle Ross, Uncle Gilman, Aunt Agnes, cousins Rena and Edna. Multigenerational living arrangements were common. Assistance was given where needed without recompense.
Douglas attended Country School #9 for four years and then he attended Hancock Public School. He graduated in 1944 and attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. He graduated in 1948 with a major in chemistry. He was employed in North Dakota by the United States Geological Survey.
Due to his father's illness, Doug came back to Hancock and took over the family farm in diverse agriculture practices. Douglas married Clara Louise Sanders in Rawson, North Dakota in 1954. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2004.
Douglas has been active in community organizations as Our Redeemers Lutheran Church, where he was baptized, confirmed and held council offices, Resources Conservation and Development (RC&D), County Conservation and township offices and the Lions Club of Hancock.
After retiring from farming, Doug began writing humorous essays that taught a lesson which were printed in the Hancock Record and Morris Sun and Tribune. He has authored two books and with his wife has self-published them. He has been interested in the development of the Regional Arts Council and the Area Renaissance Cultural Center.
He believed and expressed his opinions that conversation and negotiation are key to compatibility. He wanted everyone to get along with everyone else. He enjoyed humor and the 'give and take' over a cup of coffee. His usual bib-over-all and striped shirt was his trademark for appropriate attire.
He was fascinated by history and thoroughly enjoyed the Lewis and Clark Expedition bus tour last summer to the Pacific Ocean. He liked to visit western North Dakota and the rugged badlands beauty where he had worked. He loved to watch the birds and animals on Long Lake.
Although Doug did not complain about infirmities often, he had several physical life threatening circumstances. More than once he remarked, 'it is nice to have character but how much does one need' Adversity builds character and character builds hope and hope does not despair.' He usually found the bright side to circumstances and shared with others. His belief that God knows what is best permitted Douglas live a hope-filled life.
Douglas died on Sunday, May 22, 2005 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, having lived to reach the age 78 years.
He is survived by his wife: Louise Rasmusson of Hancock; three children: Andrea (Mark) Balko of Ladysmith, WI, Jeffrey Rasmusson of St. Paul and Clayton Rasmusson (Chris Tate) of Morris; one granddaughter: Renee Rasmusson of Fargo, ND.
Lois Bell will serve as organist for the service with Eunice Sanders and Joan, Steve and Serafina Axdal providing special music. Pedersen Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Douglas attended Country School #9 for four years and then he attended Hancock Public School. He graduated in 1944 and attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. He graduated in 1948 with a major in chemistry. He was employed in North Dakota by the United States Geological Survey.
Due to his father's illness, Doug came back to Hancock and took over the family farm in diverse agriculture practices. Douglas married Clara Louise Sanders in Rawson, North Dakota in 1954. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2004.
Douglas has been active in community organizations as Our Redeemers Lutheran Church, where he was baptized, confirmed and held council offices, Resources Conservation and Development (RC&D), County Conservation and township offices and the Lions Club of Hancock.
After retiring from farming, Doug began writing humorous essays that taught a lesson which were printed in the Hancock Record and Morris Sun and Tribune. He has authored two books and with his wife has self-published them. He has been interested in the development of the Regional Arts Council and the Area Renaissance Cultural Center.
He believed and expressed his opinions that conversation and negotiation are key to compatibility. He wanted everyone to get along with everyone else. He enjoyed humor and the 'give and take' over a cup of coffee. His usual bib-over-all and striped shirt was his trademark for appropriate attire.
He was fascinated by history and thoroughly enjoyed the Lewis and Clark Expedition bus tour last summer to the Pacific Ocean. He liked to visit western North Dakota and the rugged badlands beauty where he had worked. He loved to watch the birds and animals on Long Lake.
Although Doug did not complain about infirmities often, he had several physical life threatening circumstances. More than once he remarked, 'it is nice to have character but how much does one need' Adversity builds character and character builds hope and hope does not despair.' He usually found the bright side to circumstances and shared with others. His belief that God knows what is best permitted Douglas live a hope-filled life.
Douglas died on Sunday, May 22, 2005 at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, having lived to reach the age 78 years.
He is survived by his wife: Louise Rasmusson of Hancock; three children: Andrea (Mark) Balko of Ladysmith, WI, Jeffrey Rasmusson of St. Paul and Clayton Rasmusson (Chris Tate) of Morris; one granddaughter: Renee Rasmusson of Fargo, ND.
Lois Bell will serve as organist for the service with Eunice Sanders and Joan, Steve and Serafina Axdal providing special music. Pedersen Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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