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Jim Rasmussen
September 4, 1966 - October 20, 2017

James Brian Rasmussen, 51, of Hazleton passed away on Friday October 20, 2017 at his home.  Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Tuesday October 24, 2017 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein.  Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM on Wednesday October 25, 2017 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home with Rev. Connie Markle officiating.  Interment will be in Long Grove Cemetery at Maynard.  A memorial fund has been established.

Jim was born on September 4, 1966 in Independence to parents Larry and Virginia (Castelman) Rasmussen.  He graduated from Independence High School with the class of 1985.  He then served his country honorably in the United States Army.  On September 18, 1993 Jim was united in marriage with Christine Forsyth at Grace United Methodist Church in Oelwein.  He had been employed with John Deere.

Jim was a huge Demolition Derby fan.  He constructed and drove many derby cars over the years.  Many times his cars had a distinctive theme to the body.  He loved dirt track racing and was a fan of NASCAR.  For 30 years Jim enjoyed being a softball Umpire for the Independence and Oelwein area school districts.  Jim also loved Christmas.  This included playing Santa, along with his wife Chris as Mrs. Santa, for his nieces and nephews.  Jim went so far as to wrap all of his family’s gifts for them.  Jim always wanted to help others in their times of need.  He will be greatly missed by his family and all he knew.

Left to celebrate Jim’s life is his wife Chris; his father Larry (Diane White) Rasmussen of Independence; his mother Virginia (Bill) Peyton of Independence; his grandmother Dolores Sayers of Des Moines; his brothers-in-law: Dan (Kathy) Forsyth of Oelwein and Jeff (Lisa) Forsyth of Fayette; his sister-in-law Rhonda (Chris) Kappmeyer of Maynard; his aunts: Karen (Rick) Sherrets of Independence and Diane Curry of Independence; his nephews: Shane Kappmeyer, Devin Kappmeyer, Austin Forsyth and Brady Forsyth; his nieces: Kira Roberts, April Forsyth, Katelyn Forsyth, Kayla Taylor and Chelsea Forsyth; many cousins; and his beloved cat Taz.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents and his maternal grandfather; his mother-in-law Glenda Forsyth and his father-in-law Raymond Forsyth.  

 

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Sally Williams-Ives on October 24, 2017 at 6:41 PM said:

Dear Chris,

Please know that you are in my prayers at this most difficult time, and as you heal from your loss.

May God Bless your husband with Eternal Peace.
Kathy Krafka Harkema on October 24, 2017 at 6:02 PM said:

On behalf of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame Late Model Auction team, we extend our condolences to Jim's family and friends. Jim was a tireless volunteer who made a tremendous impact on our annual late model auction in Knoxville, and we are eternally grateful for his friendship and dedication. He was kind, humble, dedicated and that's why we'll all miss his can-do, will-do dedication to helping others. We are all shocked and saddened by his sudden passing. He will live on in our memory. With deepest sympathy to his family and his extended racing family of friends.
Karen Wilharm on October 24, 2017 at 9:59 AM said:

Chris,
I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers and may God give you strength.
Lyle and Nancy Miller on October 24, 2017 at 6:02 AM said:

Please accept our sincere condolences. May he rest in peace and our prayers are with you.
Anonymous on October 24, 2017 at 12:13 AM said:

Sorry for the loss, the Rasmussen family is in our thoughts and prayers. LuAnn, Derrick and I send prayers for comfort.
Bob & Tina Peterson on October 23, 2017 at 8:01 PM said:

We are so sorry for your loss! Jim was a great guy!
Randy and Brenda Henry on October 23, 2017 at 5:49 PM said:

So sorry for your loss. He was very thoughtful (beautiful flowers for special occasions). His gift wrapping skills are second to none. Jim will be missed. Thinking of you.
Don Frazer on October 23, 2017 at 11:03 AM said:

Chris,

So sorry for your loss.

Don & Dianne
Ron, Tammy, Ashley, and Andrew Hermsen on October 23, 2017 at 8:10 AM said:

We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a guy that had many hats so we knew him from various places. From playing ball to his umpiring to racing. He's gone too soon and will be missed by so many. Hold tight to all your precious memories, they will help get you through the rough times ahead. We will remember Jim with that smile of his that usually was followed by him doing something to get in "trouble". We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. RIP Jim.
Laura Messerschmidt on October 23, 2017 at 6:33 AM said:

My sympathies to Jims family. This comes as a surprise.
He was a friend of family. Prayers to you
Ivola Cain Hibben on October 23, 2017 at 4:17 AM said:

I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I graduated with Jim and worked with his Mom at West Village.
Cheryl Stufflebeam on October 22, 2017 at 6:39 PM said:

So very sorry to hear of Jim's death. My 3 grandchildren, the Smock kids, loved him. He was so patient & kind & taught all the athletes so much about the game. Such a kind hearted man who loved ballgames.
Todd and Deena Smock Family on October 22, 2017 at 5:26 PM said:

We are sorry to hear of the loss of Jim. He took extra time with my kiddos and loved watching them grow up on the field! Jim always took the time to talk to each of them about life, sports and how to improve. My kids truly appreciated the time Jim gave to them and through encouragement in sports. He will be greatly missed.
Lisa Fauser on October 22, 2017 at 2:28 PM said:

My sympathy to Jim's family. He was a classmate and it is truly sad to hear about his passing. I remember him as a friend and one of the gang from school. He will be missed.

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