Gene Rasmussen, 90, Osakis, MN, formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026.
He was born February 7, 1936, to Ellis L. and Jessie F. (Tomlinson) Rasmussen in Adair County, Iowa.
Gene grew up in rural Iowa and graduated from Casey High School in 1954 with a class of just 24 students. He was a proud member of the Casey, Iowa Rams football team, which finished his senior year undefeated and was crowned Iowa State Football Champions. During their nine-game season, the team was only scored on by two opponents for a total of just 24 points against their dominant Ram's defense, while their offense scored an impressive 341 points.
Gene married Deanna “Dee” Esther Jahn on March 2, 1957, and the couple shared 65 wonderful years of marriage.
Soon after, Gene enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1958 to 1961. During his service, he received a letter of commendation from the 5th Engineer Battalion (Combat) for his role in the recapture of two escaped prisoners. After completing his full-time enlistment, he continued serving in the Army Reserves in Nebraska and Minnesota.
Gene’s strong work ethic began early, working on the family farm as a young boy. He also spent a short time helping build a new railroad that ran through central Iowa. In high school, he worked as a gas station attendant and later advanced to become an auto mechanic. Following his active military service, he worked as a farm equipment mechanic in Elkhorn and Fremont, Nebraska.
He later spent several years as a sales representative for Gehl farm equipment, a role that brought Gene and his family to Fergus Falls, Minnesota for the next 12 years. Gene also worked for German-made Claas combines and traveled to several countries while working for both Gehl and Claas. After raising their family in Minnesota, Gene and Dee relocated to St.
Joseph, Missouri where he joined Altec Industries. Here he dedicated many years of service as a respected trainer. During his career, he was also elected president of the Fluid Power Society of America.
Beyond his professional life, Gene enjoyed spending time with family, going to grandkids school and sporting events, traveling the country with Dee in their RV, fishing, hunting, and skiing—both cross-country and downhill. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, MO. In retirement he was a proud member of the Good Sam RV Club and a volunteer at Habitat for Humanity in St. Joe for several years. He always had a smile and greeting for everyone he met.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; wife Dee; and brother Ted Rasmussen. Survivors include his children, Robin Glawe (Phil), Regina Daul (William), and Steven Rasmussen (Sandra); 8 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.
Inurnment service will be at a later date, at Adair, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association.
