Edward was born in Overland Park, Kansas, August 1, 1934, to Niels and Elva Rasmussen. He moved to California in 1935 and lived in several different places within California due to his father working as a migratory dairy worker. Regardless of where Edward lived he always seemed to make friends and find adventure. He once proclaimed that he and his two brothers could easily rival the escapades of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
Edward attended Excelsior High School in Norwalk, California and graduated from Lynwood High School in Lynwood, California. He served with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. After being honorably discharged he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Long Beach State.
Edward moved with his family to Visalia in 1968. He worked for the County of Tulare and then various Real Estate related fields before ultimately retiring from Continental Telephone Company in 1991.
Edward loved gardening and his family and friends looked forward to the multitudes of tomatoes that he would grow each year. He also loved sports. Edward played softball from a very young age to well into his sixties. One of his favorite passions was watching his children and then his grandchildren compete in their many sports activities. It was very rare for him not to be in attendance and usually bragging a little louder than he should.
Edward was also very fond of playing poker and going to the horse races. He especially loved traveling with his brother and best friend David to different race tracks around the country. Edward made many friends at the Jockey Club and they will miss him very much.
He will always be remembered for his silly sense of humor, sweet smile, his love for his family, patience, his knowledge of history and politics, and never being without an ink spot on his shirt.
Edward attended church at Grace Lutheran where he was a member for many years.
Edward is survived by his four children, Christina Chenze and husband Brian, Cheryl Welty and husband John, Robert Rasmussen and wife Debbie, Dayna Wild and husband Mark; his seven grandchildren, Renee, Colene, Kerie, Jennifer, Andrew, Brandon and Austin, and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by his two brothers David Rasmussen and wife Roberta and Carl Rasmussen and wife Gloria. In addition he is survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 6, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia. Burial will follow at Visalia District Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue , Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.
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