Elmer “George” Rasmussen was born in Centralia, Washington, to Leroy and Virginia Rasmussen on Sept. 14, 1937. George passed away on Aug. 26, 2025, in La Grande, Oregon. He was the firstborn of four siblings. His drive for life all started with an appreciation for farming alongside his parents, siblings and grandparents, who were a true inspiration to him. He played football and graduated from W.F. West High School and later attended Centralia Community College.
On Aug. 13, 1960, he married Mary Margaret Beachner. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
George enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1960 and was based out of San Diego, California. Upon his honorable discharge, they returned to Washington state, where George worked for KITI radio broadcasting, then later sold life insurance. This, however, was short-lived when George found his calling to mentor kids in a successful career with the U.S. Job Corps. He retired as the HR budget director for the U.S. Department of Labor overseeing the Job Corps national programs in Washington, D.C.
He moved to Chehalis on the family farm after retiring. George’s enjoyment of life will forever be synonymous with teaching and playing cribbage. He achieved a two-time Lifetime Masters ranking with the American Cribbage Congress President Award and was inducted into the Cribbage Hall of Fame. Shortly before his passing, he was able to celebrate another Platinum ranking with his brother Gary. When George wasn’t traveling to play cribbage at some tournament or grassroots club, you could find him gardening, canning, writing newsletters or cooking five-course meals. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will greatly miss his famous pancakes. All through his life, George enjoyed hunting, trapping and fishing. Crane Prairie has many family memories to which he caught many a Cranebow.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dorothy Sorrell. His surviving family includes his wife, Mary; son, Jay (La Nita) Rasmussen; and daughter, Robin; brothers, Allen (Colleen) Rasmussen and Gary (Nancy) Rasmussen; brother-in-law, Steve Sorrell; grandchildren, Amber (Luke) Hines, Brittany (Dave) Grashoff, Jayson (Brianna) Rasmussen; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Blakely, Carolyn, Brock, David, Graham and Carter; as well as many nieces and nephews, extended family and cribbage friends.
“Ras, keep on peggin’ until we can play again.”
A celebration of life will be held at the Logan Hill Grange on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. A potluck will follow with the main entrees provided by the family, so bring a salad or dessert if you would like.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.lovelandfuneralchapel.
