Ed, I miss our conversations over politics and other controversial subjects.  I especially miss your passion when I would state an opposite viewpoint.  You never wavered in your beliefs and for that I will always admire you.  I miss just sitting with and watching sports.  We could sit for hours without saying anything but just knowing you were there always brought me comfort.  When you came over, you would immediately call my name and then go outside to find me.  Sometimes I would think I would just love to finish cleaning the pool or sweeping the cement but oh I would love to see you trailing behind me talking excitedly about your day.  It is the small things like that that I miss the most.  I love how much you loved your family and included me as a part of that from day one.  You will forever be missed!

My Brother Edward                 

My brother Edward was not only my younger brother, but my friend.  When we were growing up we lived on a dairy farm for about 5 years.  So, much of our time was taken up doing various chores like; milking cows, cleaning the barns, and feeding the animals.  Any free time was taken up playing sports.  As there were few other children in the neighborhood we would go to the trailer park up the street to recruit players, both boys and girls alike. I seem to remember most games ending up in arguments, but it was still so much fun.

Edward, who was strong willed, could be stubborn at times in coming around to others' way of thinking.  I remember Edward going to school one year on the first day of school.  My parents let him out at the school, but he would not go in.  So they left him at the school gate.  They then watched him from afar.  He walked up and down the street for about thirty minutes had passed.  

Edward and I have taken many trips together to racetracks across the country. We both always enjoyed horse racing and playing poker. 

I will miss him for the rest of my life. 
 
From your loving brother,

David

Bob and Deb, we are sorry for your loss. I never met your dad but if he was like you Bob, he is a swell fella. I look forward to seeing him in Heaven. Sincerely, Curtis, Sabrina, Braeden and Chloe Benkendorfer

Uncle Ed, even though I said good bye at your funeral over a week ago now, it is still hard to believe you're gone. I will miss your sweet smile and open arms every time we would see one another. I will miss your siliness and fun sense of humor that was always so endearing to me. I will also miss your saying everything "two times" My nickname, Edward two times (a reference to a Goodfellas character) was truly fitting. I will miss your "How ya doin? How ya doin?" you always greeted me with. You were always so genuinely interested in and asked about my work and my kids' activities. Loved that about you. Mostly, I'm going to miss the fun, family times we've had over the years that will now never be the same without your presence there. My daddy will and does miss you immensely. You were and always will be his best friend. Thank you for all of the love and  wonderful memories you've given to me, my daddy and our family. I love you and miss you forever, Uncle Ed

Ed, you will be truly missed. It was so great to see you and my father in law, your brother Dave together. My family always enjoyed your visits. Thank you for always asking about them. Furthermore, thank you for your loyalty to me and my business. Love

When I first met Ed in 1960 he was a handsome young man.  My husband David, Ed's eldest brother, loved both of his brothers.  They had a very special bond created as children working on the dairy.  Throughout Ed's life he had a great love for poker and horse racing, which his brothers shared.  He called David at least once a week to discuss their weekly poker games.  I enjoyed our political discussions and sometimes arguments.  He was passionate about his love of country and his family.  His brothers will miss him for all their remaining days, as will many.  Than God we have the wonderful memories of him to keep him alive in our hearts and minds.

Ed I still can't believe you are gone.  I miss your sense of humor and childlike spirit.  I miss the way you would slide up to me and announce yourself with your favorite nickname, nudge me and chuckle.   It was almost as though you felt so special that someone thought to give a special nickname just for you.   I also will forever miss your advice on what horse to bet on at the Fresno Fair.  There is nothing like knowing you are betting on a "sure thing".    To the Wild's, I pray that you find your comfort and strength in God as you deal with the loss of your loved one.  And I pray your memories of him bring you joy in your sorrow.

According Kahil Gibran in the Prophet, "Your friend is your needs answered."  Ed was/is my friend.  When I visited him at Cypress Rehab recently we played cards and he won.  Today I hope and pray that he is playing cards with my Dad.  He will be greatly missed.  Your Friend, Roy

My grandpa or as I always called him, “gramps,” was the world to me. Gramps loved my brother and me unconditionally and would go to the ends of the Earth for us. He was the grandpa who tried to make every sporting event of ours, came to every grandparent's day in Elementary school, and made every effort to make us smile. I was always very proud of who my grandpa was and loved every moment I had with him. He always went above and beyond to make sure my brother and I knew how much he loved us. I will never forget a few years ago when I was swimming for College of the Sequoias and my grandpa was planning to attend one of my first home meets. I remember going over to my grandpa's house the night before to pick out an outfit that would make him more grandpa looking because to me he just did not fit the criteria on a day to day basis. I picked out a cute sweater vest and button down shirt for him to wear. Both he and I were well aware that the next day was supposed to be in the high 90's but he did not seem to mind. He showed up the next day at my meet wearing exactly what I picked out for him because he knew it put a smile on my face. This was the type of person my grandpa was. He always put my brother and I first and was always up to making sure that we were happy by either cracking jokes or even to the extreme of wearing what I had picked out for him. He will forever be missed and loved. I cherish every second I had with him because he truly was special.

Ed, I have known you for quite a number of years.  There are good memories as well as not so good ones.  I think we came to good terms the short time I lived with you before I moved to Colorado. I am grateful for the Brother and Sister you and Mom gave me! 
The last few years we exchanged Birthday and other holiday cards which I greatly enjoyed!  Seeing and talking with you at Jennifer's wedding was also a highlight!
I sincerely hope you rest in peace and enjoy playing the ponies forever.
Love,
Cheryl

I want to say so many things to you dad but I really do not know where to begin so I will just start with telling you how much I love and miss you.  I have so many wonderful memories of you.  You were always so patient with me and put up with my silly sense of humor which of course I got from you.   I do not know who or how it started but somehow when I was about 3 or 4 Chico the dog was born and you would humor me for hours upon hours by playing fetch and having me do tricks.  Today CPS would probably be called for treating your young daughter like a dog but for us it was just good old fashioned fun.  When I was too old for Chico we moved on to sports.  I got my love of softball from you.  I remember waiting for your car to drive up and shoving your glove through the window before you even shut the car off.   You would not even go into the house to change your clothes but rather play catch with me until the sun was going down and even longer if I could get away with it.  I would not let you leave until I threw 100 strikes in a row and you would count over and over no matter how tired you were.  Over the years, you were my coach and mentor and I can still see you on the sidelines jumping up and down when I threw that perfect change up and struck someone out.   You were my biggest cheerleader and my biggest fan.  In your eyes I was the greatest pitcher ever born and you were not shy about telling anyone who would listen.  
When we lived on Monte Vista I loved following you around the yard as you fed the chickens or planted something in our garden.  In my eyes, you were the strongest, bravest man alive and I wanted to be just like you.  If you did something, I would do it to and you never made me feel like I was in your way.
When I started high school it was just the two of us and sometimes we were buddies, sometimes I was more like your mom and every great once in while you would pretend to be strict.  That usually lasted for about 10 minutes.   By that time I had learned that you could not stay mad at me and of course being a teenager I took full advantage.   I may not have always shown it dad but I really did have so much respect for you.  I know that you would have done anything for me and I loved you for it.  
As I grew up and had my own family, you were always there.  You were at the hospital when both my kids were born and you never stopped being there for them.   You were the true definition of a grandpa.  You went to every one of their school functions, sporting events, birthday parties and more.  I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate the love and support you showed to them.  
I could go on and on dad but I know that others may want a turn.  The last few weeks were the worse times in my life but I would not trade the time I spent with you for anything in the world other than if I could trade it for you to still be here.   I spent so many days and nights holding your hand, talking to you and stroking your head always hoping that you would walk out of that hospital some day.   You put up with so much more than any one person should have to and you did it with dignity and grace.  You never complained and never cried.  You fought so hard and I know that was for us dad.  Your family and friends were not ready to let you go and you tried but in the end God needed you more.  I promised you the day before you passed that no one would ever stick you with another needle or cause you pain, and I know in my heart that you are now pain free, carefree and most likely running after some pretty young thing.  I will end with a shortened version of a poem that wraps up exactly how I feel about you.  

God saw you getting weaker, 
so he did what he thought was best. 
He came and stood beside you 
and he whispered 'Come to rest.' 
We could not understand it, 
no matter how we tried. 
If love could have saved you, 
you never would have died.

Father Vs Dad

A father in my opinion is someone who is there for the biological part of your life.  A dad is the person who makes your life and makes you who you have become.
My dad was a friend, a mentor and all around good guy.  He taught me how to fish and camp and to play baseball and softball, which we played together for many years.  He always had a joke or funny story.  If I had a problem he would always lend me an ear and advice.   We had our bad times and our good but a lot more of the good than bad.  
I worked for my dad a lot in my teens and through my thirties taking care of his rental properties such as cleaning, painting or anything else that had to be fixed, replaced or repaired.  I did this at his own personal home on many occasions as well.  My dad used to ask me where I learned these skills.  He said I know they weren't from me.  The skills may not have not come from him but the dedication to use my skills and to stick with them in a career did come from him.
My wife tells people that Bob has never met a stranger.  I am an outgoing person and try to be an all around good guy.  This I know came from my dad.  I have a philosophy for life:  I treat everyone as a friend until they prove otherwise.  This I also know came from my dad.  
My dad may have left us physically but not in spirit nor will he leave our hearts or souls.  This is and was Edward Earl Rasmussen the man, the father and most importantly dad. 

Love always!  Until we meet again,
Bobby

Ed, I'm grateful for the time we shared together and the two wonderful children that we brought into this world.  May your spirit rest in peace.

Ed was one of my Silver Sneakers exercise buddies. He was a warm person with a friendly smile that always took the chairs down from the stack, and then put them back up after class for all of us ladies. One of our best memories of Ed will be the days when we had belly dancing after class had ended. Ed loved it and would wrap the scarf with all the jangles around his hips and shimmy with the ladies! He is missed by many that were in our classes that were unable to attend his services. 

I already miss our Tuesday coffee at Starbucks after class. He had such great things to say about his grandkids.....he was excited about Jennifer's wedding--and the partying that went along with it ;-) Andrew, he bragged about you driving him when he had his cataract surgery.
I was fortunate to meet many family members while Ed was ill---you are all so good looking [as was he] and obviously loved him so much. What a tribute all of you are to the kind of man he was!
... he made my life richer because he was my friend.

Dayna & Family....  

Ed knew no stranger!  He was the easiest going guy I have ever met!  He would always greet me with a huge smile and a big hug!  He always followed it up with a greeting and a joke.  But best of all, I remember Ed for his "mumble mumble and chuckle chuckle" after telling me something!  I usually had no idea what he had said, but for some reason it made me "chuckle" as well!!!  Hahaha!!!  
Ed will truly be missed by the many people who had the pleasure of crossing paths in his journey of life!  
But let us never forget God's promise, "And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life" 1John 2:25.

Ed you will never be forgotten & may you rest in peace!

I will always remember Ed's sense of humor.  He will be missed, but only until we see him again as the Lord promised us, that if we believe in him we shall not perish but have everlasting life.  I pray the Lord comforts all his family and friends.

I have a special place in my heart for Ed, I have known him all of my life. I was  born just a short time before his son Bob, and our houses were just a short distance just a few houses apart. Bob and I would get into mischief and keep all of our parents busy. One thing about Ed was he was always kind and even tempered, even at times when I look back he shouldn't have been. He always took time out of his schedule to take us fishing, and I know he enjoyed playing Baseball with his kids. He has been a great friend to our family and will be missed. Dan DuPont

I have a special place in my heart for Ed, I have known him all of my life. I was  born just a short time before his son Bob, and our houses were just a short distance just a few houses apart. Bob and I would get into mischief and keep all of our parents busy. One thing about Ed was he was always kind and even tempered, even at times when I look back he shouldn't have been. He always took time out of his schedule to take us fishing, and I know he enjoyed playing Baseball with his kids. He has been a great friend to our family and will be missed.

Uncle Ed I will always treasure the conversations we had the past few months while you were checking on your little brother (my dad) while he was ill. I heard genuine concern and love in your voice. I knew with all my heart you loved your brother so very much. You were very concerned about his spiritual health as well as physical, and I know you always prayed for him. I will be forever grateful for your love and prayers for him because I know you were instrumental in bringing my dad to the point of where he is totally trusting God in his life. You have a huge jewel in your crown for the love and devotion you showed for your family. In fact your crown is probably weighed heavily with jewels for all of the lives you have touched. Jesus must have run to you and said "Well done my good and faithful servant" Matt 25:21
Your infectious smile and laugh will be missed. The past few years spending time with the entire family has been such a blessing. I am grateful for the times we have had. I will see you again someday in heaven. I love you. I'll take care of your little brother. Love Julie

My prayers go out to Dayna & her family for peace and healing during this time.

Bob and Debbie - Our deepest sympathies for you and your Family.

Ed,  I remember you as a kind man that had a gentle heart. I felt safe when I spent the night with my best friend Dayna during elementary school. You will always be the Dad with cool Rhett Butler hair. Miss your laugh.

Grandpa, I love you so much. You meant the world to our family and will forever be missed. Your humor, compassion, patience, and love will live deep within our hearts forever. I am so honored that God gave me you as my grandpa. We will see each other one day in Heaven and I know that you are probably up there right now telling all of your jokes. I love you.

Ed, you will forever be missed but the great times with you will never be forgotten.  You had a great impact on so many people's lives and always brought a smile and a laugh to the room.  I know you are in a much better place now and I will see you at the poker tables in heaven.

Ed, you could light up any room with your great sense of humor. I am honored to have had the chance to know you. You will be dearly missed but remain in everyone's hearts forever. I hope you get all the good hands up there! May you rest in peace.

Dayna and family I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious Dad.  He was a special friend and had nothing but praises for his family. He loved you all dearly.  He was proud of each and everyone of you.  You are very blessed to have him as your father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.  He loved the family get togethers and playing poker with his friends and the horse races.  He enjoyed his extended family at In-Shape for the Silver Sneakers glasses.  Even though he didn't really like the exercise, he enjoyed the commordadery and said it was good for him.  He was an inspiration for me to go.  He was brilliant.  We would watch Jeopardy and he would come up with most of the answers.  He was a good friend and I will truly miss him.  But we will have our glass of wine together again in a far better place, and maybe even play a game or two of tennis which we were going to do once it cooled off.  Miss you my friend

Dad, You will be truly missed by your family.  I will always cherish the time we spent together and  wish we could have had more time.  We will see each other in Heaven and then we can catch up.  I Love You and I am so glad I got to spend some time  with you when you were in the hospital.  Love Always, Christina

Dayna and family,I'm very sorry for the loss of your Dad.But like I said earlier,it's not Goodbye,just,see you later.

I miss you so much grandpa. You were loved by all and huge light on anyone who had the pleasure of meeting you. You will forever be in my heart. You were my best friend. I love you

OBITUARY

Edward Earl Rasmussen

August 1, 1934 – August 30, 2013

Miller Memorial Chapel

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