More detail on this person: Gene Russell Rasmussen, 90, passed away peacefully at home on October 12, 2017. He was born in Salina, Utah on September 21, 1927 to parents S. Russell and Lillie Nielsen Rasmussen. In 1955 he married Joanne Rowell in Elko, Nevada. Gene grew up in Salina and moved to Salt Lake City at 16. He graduated from South High School in 1945. Helping to support his mother and siblings, he worked in construction and became a journeyman carpenter. However, after roofing outdoors in 1948 - the coldest winter on record - he decided to attend the University of Utah. After two years, he transferred to Utah State University where he met Joanne. While attending USU, he served in the National Guard and ROTC, ultimately deciding to pursue a career with the U.S. Army. He completed his B.S. degree in Business later while serving in the Army. Gene began his active duty service as an officer in December 1953. For most of his 20 years in the Army, he flew helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. His responsibilities included various aircraft and aviation positions. During two tours in Viet Nam in 1965 and 1968, Gene flew search and rescue missions as part of his Aircraft and Aviation Maintenance Officer positions, and earned several honors including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired as a Lt. Col with his final assignment as Chief, Aircraft Accident Analysis, Prevention and Investigation Board at the Safety Agency in Ft. Rucker, Alabama in December 1973. After retirement Gene devoted further time in service of his community. In Logan, he was active in American Legion Post 12, including serving as Commander for two years as well as joining the Lions Club and serving as president for one year. He also volunteered on the Cache County Planning and Zoning Board and enjoyed writing letters to the editor, often to the dismay of local politicians. He enjoyed fishing, extensive gardening such as growing corn and raspberries for sale, and carpentry projects, including building five homes for his family around Cache Valley. Gene is survived by his wife Joanne and three daughters, Susan (William) Morris, Linda (Douglas) Allred, Victoria Rasmussen (Charles Wight); two grandchildren, Joshua T. (Jennifer) Bohrn and Jessica M. (Grayden) Howard; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ladd Rasmussen and Lynn Rasmussen and one sister Bonnie Maloney; preceded in death by his sister Mary Lou Mann. His deep patriotism and love of the U.S.A. survives in the hearts of his family and many others he touched. Family and friends may join us Saturday, October 21, 2017 at the graveside in Logan Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. for an honor guard detail provided by American Legion Post 47. Our family also welcomes all to pay their respects at an open house scheduled later that day from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Allen Mortuary of North Logan, 420 E. 1800 North, North Logan, Utah 84341.
Burial information: Logan City Cemetery, Logan, Utah
This information was last updated 10/22/2017
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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