May 14, 1936 ~ Nov. 26, 2020
Donald Robison Rasmussen, graduated mortality on Thanksgiving Day, at age 84, Nov. 26, 2020.
Don was born of goodly parents, on May 14, 1936, in Fillmore, Utah to William Hans Rasmussen (1883-1958) and Evangelyn Adelia Robison (1903-1985). Born the 13th of 15 children. Don loved being raised on a farm. He cherished the work ethic he was taught from his earliest childhood: "My earliest memory was on my third-birthday: going to the farm with my father... My father had me marking off a field when I was eight-years-old,” and running a "team of horses." At age nine "we always had chores to do, animals to feed and care for." He loved the freedom of fishing and hunting through the foothills, and always held sacred the land, soil, crops, seasons, and cycles of farming life.
Although Don struggled academically, he excelled in sports: participating in wrestling and football—a four-time Millard High, State Football Champion (1950-53). Graduating 'Class of 54' he earned scholarships in athletics, lettering in football and wrestling at SUSC (now SUU) and again in wrestling for USU. Don served a 2 1/2 year full-time LDS mission in Copenhagen, Denmark, which would change and shape the rest of his life.
Through hard work, he earned his undergraduate from USU, and eventually a master's from BYU, in Education. During his time at USU he met a fellow Danish-speaking RM, Kayanne Een. They courted and later married in the Manti Temple on June 19, 1964. This union was eventually blessed with four children: three boys and a girl. In May 1965 he was hired by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a full-time Seminary Teacher; he loved his career. The Danes have a saying, "some people can walk into your heart with their wooden shoes on," Don had this gift, and enjoyed a unique rapport with his students over 32 years.
Serving in numerous callings over his lifetime: various leadership callings, including twice as a Bishop and frequently as a teacher—he especially loved serving with the youth. Culminating his career, he focused on Special Needs students. Upon retiring, he and his bride returned to their cherished Denmark, serving an 18-month CES mission. After returning home, he became a Special Needs Bus Driver for 15 years. He will be remembered as a beloved dad (never missing a game or match), grandpa (similarly supportive) uncle, and friend. He wrote the, "most sacred calling I held was Husband, Father, and Grandfather."
He is survived by his children: Hans (Kimberly), Shon (Sherilyn), Mckay (Julia) and his daughter Keisa Martinez. 15-grandchildren and 6 1/2 great-grandchildren. Siblings Drew (Doris), Fran (Doug) Chamberlain, Marsha (LaGrand) Whatcott. In-laws: LaMont Een, Trisha Schiffman, Sandy Een, Kim (Miriam) Een, Kristie (Steve) Heyborne. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kayanne, parents, siblings: Sterling, Julian (Nina), Melba (Floyd) Scrivens, Gwendolyn (Clarence) Reese, Shirley (Harrel) Clark, Mary Louise, Roene (James) Whitney, Beverly (Floyd) Dutson, David Marshall, Hylda, and Roberta. In-laws: Susan Milner, Perry and Lola Een, Jay Schiffman, David Een.
Viewings Tuesday, December 22 from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Brigham City 3rd Ward and Wednesday, December 23 from 9 to 10:15 a.m. in the Brigham City West Stake Center. Funeral service December 23, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in the Brigham City West Stake Center. All attending need to wear a mask. Interment in the Fillmore City Cemetery. Please check website for service updates. Online condolence at www.rasmussenmortuary.com/obits
