It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Rodney Kirk Rasmussen, who passed peacefully surrounded by family, at the age of ninety. A man of unwavering faith, boundless kindness, and relentless work ethic, Rodney leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and devotion to both his family and his faith.
Born on July13, 1934 in Salina, Utah to Maurice Farrell Rasmussen and Therresa Colby. Rodney was the oldest child in his family, and he was raised with strong values rooted in faith, perseverance, and service. Rodney learned the value of hard work at a very young age and his love for running heavy construction equipment started when he began running tractors and motor graders at the age of twelve.
Education was important to Rodney, and he was always active and involved in school. He was exceptionally gifted in math and English. He graduated from North Sevier High School in 1952 and furthered his education at Branch Agriculture College in Cedar City, Utah and Brigham Young Academy in Provo, Utah.
In 1954 he met the love of his life, Eunice A Peterson, of Glenwood, Utah and they were married in the Manti Temple on March 19, 1954. Rodney and Eunice had four beautiful children.
Together, they raised a family built with love, respect, and faith. His family meant everything to him, and he loved being with them. They enjoyed hunting, camping, farming and snowmobiling together.
Rodney continued to work hard and with the support and love of his wife, Eunice, he was able to obtain his contractor’s license and rent his first 14 D Motor grader. In 1963, he founded Rodney Rasmussen Construction Company. He was a very successful businessman and proved himself to be one of the best motor grader operators in the Western United States. His attention to detail and love for building roads was unmatched. Rodney was proud of his business and successes but found great joy in working with his grandfather, father, brother, uncles, nephews, sons, daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also was blessed with many amazing employees that he considered family. On the construction crew he was everyone’s “Grandpa.”
Rodney was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he served in many roles. His service and devotion to God was evident in the way he lived his life. He was steadfast, humble, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He graciously accepted the callings of, scout master, Deacons President, Elders Quorum President, Stake High Council, Bishop, Central Utah Correctional Facility Family Home Evening Leader, Manti Temple ordinance worker. However, one of his favorite and most beloved callings was the call to serve alongside his wife, Eunice, as a missionary in Adam-ondi- Ahman.
In the community, Rodney was known for his generosity and kindness. He was always the first to offer help and support in any way he could. He believed in giving back and worked tirelessly to
make his community a better place. His faith was the foundation of everything he did, and it was his unwavering faith that sustained him through the many challenges and triumphs in his life.
His dedication to his work was matched only by his passion for teaching his children and grandchildren the value of a job well done. Through his example, they learned the importance of hard work, perseverance, and taking pride in every task, no matter how big or small.
Rodney was a guiding light, always offering wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. He was the Patriarch of our family, and his gentle spirit, steady presence, and quick smile will be greatly missed, but his lessons will live on in the generations he leaves behind.
His hands-built roads that stood the test of time—just as his character did. His family will find comfort knowing he is paving the roads in Heaven.
Rodney was predeceased by his parents: Maurice and Therresa Rasmussen, Sister: Kathern Taylor
Daughter in Law: Mitzie Rasmussen
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Eunice Rasmussen.
Children: Kirk (LaRea) Rasmussen, Kreig (Dixie) Rasmussen, Kevin (Stacie) Rasmussen, Sheila (Troy) Manwill
Siblings: Janet (Neil) Beach, Evelyn (Gerald) Shields, Brad (Kathy) Rasmussen, 23 grandchildren, 51 and 2/3 great grandchildren, extended family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched with his warmth, wisdom, and kindness
A viewing will be held at the Salina Utah Stake Center Friday January 17, 2025 from 6 to 8 pm and Saturday January 18, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.
Funeral services will be held at the Salina Utah Stake Center Saturday January 18, 2025 at noon. Burial will be in the Pioneer Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home.
