Densel M Rasmussen

Densel Rasmussen, 62, of Grand Island passed away on Monday, November 20, 2017 at home, surrounded by his family. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2017 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Stuhr Museum in the Stuhr Building. Celebration of life services will be held on Monday, November 27, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in the Sanctuary. Rev. Dr. Russ Anderson will officiate. Burial will follow in Grand Island City Cemetery. Densel Martin Rasmussen was born May 10, 1955, at Ord, Nebraska, to Lyle Martin and Eileen Ellen (Smith) Rasmussen. His earliest childhood memory was his third birthday on an ocean liner destined for England where he would meet his maternal family for the first time. His parents met and married when his dad was stationed in the service there. He grew up on the family farm south of North Loup and attended North Loup-Scotia Schools, graduating in 1973. Densel continued his education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Through the mentorship of Senator Dennis Rasmussen, a highlight of his college years was serving as a page in the Nebraska Legislature. After earning a degree in Business Education, he taught school in Yutan, Nebraska, and later worked for the Department of Correctional Services in York and Lincoln. He found his niche when he began working for Principal Financial Group. It was a perfect combination of working with employees and the opportunity to serve his community. Representing Principal, he chaired the boards of directors of Stuhr Museum, Stuhr Museum Foundation, the Grand Island Community Foundation, Grand Island College, and Hall County Leadership Unlimited. He also served on the boards of directors of the Humanities Nebraska Foundation, Central Community College Foundation, the Heartland United Way where he chaired the annual campaign and was honored with the President’s and the Be the ONE awards, and the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce where he was recognized with the Richard H. Good Distinguished Service Award. He co-chaired the Grand Island Little Theater’s Raising the Curtain capital campaign and served on the Salvation Army’s Advisory Board. Densel was honored as the Grand Island Independent’s 2006 Man of the Year. Most recently, Principal received the National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Corporation by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. One of his most rewarding activities was co-leading the Chamber’s Can-Do committees with Lynn Cronk in preparation for Grand Island’s inaugural State Fair. He loved the fair and was extremely pleased with its success. But a fulfilling career and the reward of community service paled in comparison to his love and pride for his family. Densel married Carolyn Bussell, his high school sweetheart, on May 17, 1975, at Scotia, Nebraska. Together, they formed the foundation of a loving and remarkable family. Their three daughters brought him great joy and his six grandchildren taught him unconditional love that only a grandparent can know. Being “Grandad” to them was his greatest joy. Densel loved attending his grandchildren’s many sporting events and school activities. Little did he know that when he volunteered at the Literacy Council, he would add another member to his family when he and Dennis De Leon were matched to work together. It was a partnership that would change both their lives. Densel and Carolyn enjoyed traveling with their family and friends, with Estes Park always being their favorite destination. He is survived by Carolyn, his wife of forty-two years; his daughters and sons-in-law, Erin and Andy Marsh, Erica and Steve Long, and Kelsey and Todd Clyne all of Grand Island; his son, Dennis De Leon also of Grand Island; and his beloved grandchildren McKenna Eileen Marsh, Gage Martin Long, Grant Long, Colton Marsh, Maxton Long, and Landon Martin Clyne. Additional survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Cindy and Tom Zimmer of Crofton, NE, his father-in-law, DeWayne Bussell, of Grand Island, a niece, TiLynn Scott of Grand Island, nephews Steven Scott of Grand Island and Gavin Zimmer and Garrett Zimmer of Crofton, NE, and a host of extended family members, colleagues and friends including special friends, Pat and Bob Engle of Geneva, Janet and John Weakland of Winterset, IA, his lifelong friend, Doug Gebhardt of Scotia, and his devoted caregiver and friend, Carolyn Valasek of Grand Island. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, two infant brothers; his mother-in-law, Venetta Bussell; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, and Sheryl (Bussell) and Dave Scott. Memorials are suggested to the Densel M. Rasmussen Grounds Maintenance and Beautification Fund at Stuhr Museum, ALS in the Heartland, or the Grand Island Literacy Council.

Densel M Rasmussen

May 10, 1955 - November 20, 2017

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Densel M Rasmussen

May 10, 1955 - November 20, 2017

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support