Ronald Dean Rasmussen

Ronald Dean Rasmussen, 80, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and brother-in-law made his transition to be with the Lord on January 7, 2022 in Mesa, AZ after a long hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s with his family by his side.

Ron was born February 23, 1941 in Underwood, ND to Loui Engelbreth and Hazel Louella (Haugen) Rasmussen. He was raised on the family farm northwest of Turtle Lake, ND. He attended country school through eighth grade before transferring to Turtle Lake High School.

Ron married Dianne Clair Zinther on January 23, 1960 at St. Olaf’s Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake. The first years of married life were spent moving from Turtle Lake to Stanley, back to Turtle Lake and then Bismarck before finally settling down to raise their family in Washburn. Ron’s work took them to various states before making Mesa their permanent home for more than 30 years. Throughout his work history he was employed by Lindteigen Construction, Clairmont Construction, Glenharold Mine, and finally Ames Construction where he found his forever work family. He retired in 2008 after an illustrious 29-year career with Ames Construction. The 92nd Street Café in Scottsdale, AZ will never be the same without him.

Ron was an honest, hardworking and determined man who will forever be remembered for his smile and charming dimples, his beautiful and captivating blue eyes, his remarkable ability to deliver the perfect joke at just the right time bringing smiles and laughter to nearly everyone he met (Have you ever felt kneeded?), his enduring love of classic country music which would often bring tears to his eyes (He was so thrilled when one of his granddaughters successfully answered George Jones trivia questions at school … it made him proud to have her carry the torch!), but most importantly the love and devotion he had for his family. He was happiest when they were all together.

Ron is survived by two sons, Dwight (Margaret) Rasmussen of Washburn, ND and Darsey (Misty) Rasmussen of Mesa, AZ; three daughters, Darla (Dayle) Gilson of Richland, WA, Dora (Damian) Meier of Fargo, ND and Dawn (Rick) Anderson of Hazen, ND; 15 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; sister, Karen (Stan) Sayler; brother, Duane Rasmussen; sister-in-law, Juan Hope Rasmussen.

Previously departed loved ones include his wife (July 8, 2021); parents; brother, Lawrence (Bud) Rasmussen; sister, Erma Broneske.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the many wonderful people at Hospice at Home of Arizona for their loving care and support during the last year and a half of his life.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 AM MST on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Mariposa Gardens Funeral Home located at 400 S. Power Road, Mesa. After the service, the family invites you to join them for a gathering at Darsey & Misty Rasmussen’s home located at 9713 E. Idaho Avenue, Mesa.

Burial will take place at Turtle Lake Cemetery in Turtle Lake, ND at a later date.