Michael J. Rasmussen
April 7, 1949 ~ November 15, 2016
Michael died on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at his home in Fargo after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. He was first diagnosed in November of 2003. For the next 13 years, Michael lived life to the fullest; enjoying family and friends and exhibiting nothing but strength and determination in his daily life as well as his struggles with health.
Michael John Rasmussen was born on April 7, 1949, the son of Lyle and Aileen (Sims) Rasmussen in Ladysmith, WI. He grew up on the family farm in Bruce, WI, and received his schooling. Michael proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from September of 1968 until his discharge in May of 1971. Michael later attended Moorhead State Technical College in Moorhead where he graduated in 1997 with a degree in Business.
Throughout the years, Michael enjoyed his time driving truck. In later years he owned and operated Mike’s Lawn and Snow in Fargo. In 2011, Michael accomplished one of his greatest gifts; he and his wife, Mary Ellen, published his book Mr. Nobody: a memoir. In the book, he shares his life story encouraging the reader to live life to its fullest and overcome any adversity. He loved spending time with his family – especially his beloved grandsons, listening to “old time” country music and dancing.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ellen of Fargo; his daughter, Hannah (Jon) Randles of Watford City, ND – and grandsons, Ian and Landon Randles; his step-daughter, Jennifer (Steve Spader) DeMaio – and grandsons, Gabe and Cole Spader; and step-son, Jim DeMaio of Owensboro, KY. Also surviving are his siblings – Neil (Madge) Rasmussen, Clara DeMarco, Don (Nancy) Rasmussen, Carol Holum, Karen Strom, Joan Krager, Nancy Rasmussen, and Larry Rasmussen; and many nieces and nephews; and many other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his infant son, Michael John; his parents and siblings – Blanche Krager, Richard Rasmussen and Jim Rasmussen.
VISITATION: 4-5 PM Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo
FUNERAL SERVICE: 5 PM Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo
BURIAL: 1 PM Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND
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Mike was a quit well mannered man and a good friend , Served with him in Vietnam 1970-71. He would be jolly on the spot if you needed him. we had unhappy times in Vietnam during the war but he made the best of it and was a devoted soldier.. You Will be missed by the men of the 572nd Trans Co “Gypsy Bandits” . You were a good friend . If you have not read his book “Mr. Nobody” I highly recommend you get a copy on line. Until we meet again in the bunker my friend ..God Speed. Donnie Mangus and wife Denise.
MaryEllen,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless you. Love Valerie
My sympathies MAry Ellen. I’m so glad we got to see you all!
Love to you,
Carl
I understand you and your families struggle with this horrible disease. My brother was also afflicted with it. He also was in the Vietnam War and contacted agent orange.
He struggled for 10 yrs knowing the eventual outcome ( he and his wife were RNs).
After trying many different medicine protocols the last worked for 6 yrs and the company flew my brother around the country speaking on this disease. They never pushed their product only how well he had done on it along with the power of prayer.
May your family find peace in the good memories. In just typing this it had eased my sorrow so thank you. David
Our sympathy to you Mary Ellen. We all go back to our dancing days. Never missed a dance and what a great way to meet people and make friends. You two have been such an inspiration. In spite of Mikes heath problems, you both just kept on keeping on. Can’t wait to get our hands on the “Mr. Nobody” book. I am sure he has turned up the volume on some good country music and is right in step again. He is someone we are fortunate to have passed thru our lives.. God Bless you and your families.
Dave and I are in disbelief and deeply saddened. Maey Ellen and all your family, our heartfelt sympathy for each of you. I have described you to many as a delightful couple. That will not change as Micheal will always remain a part of you. Love and prayers for you.
MaryEllen, There are no words adequate… I am so, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Gail (Krol) Stegenga
My thoughts and prayers go out to Hannah, Uncle Mike’s wife and his other close family members.
I am the late Jim Rasmussen’s oldest daughter, Stacey.
I have many memories of Uncle Mike while visiting at grandma Rasmussen’s during my childhood. I remember meeting Hannah for the first time at grandma’s (I have pictures too) Uncle Mike was so proud to introduce her to all of us. Unfortunately we had lost contact after grandma’s passing, but he was in my thoughts throughout these years.
So sorry to hear of Mikes passing. I was married to Mikes brother Jim. His nieces names are Stacey and Toni. Mike was Toni’s godfather. I was thankful to get to see Mike when he was home for his class reunion and also got a copy of his book which I let the girls read, I know Mike was his own man and I admired him for that. My sympathy to your family. Sincerely Patty Rasmussen Irish,Stacey Rasmussen Rockensock & Toni Rasmussen Skogstad
I only met Mike once.It was at the Tee-Away in Ladysmith Wi.About five years ago.He attending his Bruce class of 67 reunion.I am a Flambeau class of 67 grad.As we are both vets.We had alot to chat about.We also talked some sports.I asked about some Bruce guys.That I played again against.That were not at the reunion.I also bought a copy of his book.Rock On and RIP-Mike–Ed Brockner