Jack Nels Rasmussen, 76, of Chehalis, Washington, was welcomed by his Lord and Savior with open arms on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023.
Jack was born to Mable Maxine and Norris Rasmussen on Dec. 10, 1946, in Tacoma, Washington. He graduated from Pe Ell High School in 1965 and from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, with his bachelor’s degree in physical education and mathematics in 1969.
That same year, Jack married the love of his life, Janice Rasmussen, on Aug. 28. They had three children, Amy, Kelly and Abbi. Jack was a beloved math teacher at Toledo High School for more than 30 years. He was also a dedicated agriculturist specializing in forestry management and cattle farming. Jack loved basketball and spent his early years coaching at Montesano, Pe Ell, Kelso and Centralia College. He also taught drivers education at Pe Ell and Toledo High School.
Family and loving the Lord were important in Jack's life. He made it a priority to have dinner together every night, attend church as a family on Sundays and work together on the family farm in Doty. He took his kids on many adventures throughout the United States and later traveled with his wife, Janice, internationally to include his favorites; St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Costa Rica. He looked forward to the "Rasmussen Family Getaway" every summer with his kids, grandkids and great-grandchild, which included crafts, boating, cornhole tournaments, skits and laughter. Fond memories for many also include putting up hay with family and the neighborhood helpers as well as the "September Apple Cider Harvest."
Jack is survived by his wife, Janice Rasmussen; his siblings, Norine Robbins and Kristine Miller; his children, Amy Manning, Kelly Rasmussen and Abbi Rodes; his grandchildren, Chloe' Miller, Emma Weinert, Avery Manning, Kendall Rasmussen, Karly Rasmussen, Kara Rasmussen, Samuel Rodes and Snow Rodes; and great-grandchild, Duke Miller.
Janice would like to thank family, friends and Jack's past students and faculty for all the ways they enriched his life.
Jack had a heart for his children and grandchildren to love the Lord. We would like to continue helping kids have this opportunity. You are welcome to contribute to Mt. View Youth Camp in Jack's name. Checks should be made out to 1201 Belmont Ave., Centralia, WA 98531, or otherwise please use the QR code below.
Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
There will be a celebration of life service at noon Saturday, March 4, at Mountain View Baptist Church followed by lunch and fellowship.
