Memorials › Leroy Arthur Rasmussen

Leroy Arthur Rasmussen

3 Nov 1929 – 17 Sep 2012

Birth3 Nov 1929
Death17 Sep 2012
CemeteryFort McPherson National Cemetery
Maxwell , Lincoln County , Nebraska , USA
Added byTaylor Smith on 11 Oct 2017
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/99632992

Bio

Services for Leroy Rasmussen were held at St. Luke Catholic Church in Ogallala, NE. His ashes lie in repose at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, NE, where a salute was given with military honors by the Nebraska Honor Guard. Leroy Rasmussen passed away on September 17, 2012. He was born near White River on November 3, 1929 to Art and Lizzie (Krogman) Rasmussen. At the age of ten, he helped with the 100 mile cattle, sheep and horse drive that brought the family to a ranch northwest of Springview, NE. He attended the Liberty 17 School and Keya Paha High School. After graduation, he worked with his father on the ranch. During this time he began building a cattle herd and became adept at breaking three and four year old horses. He enlisted in the Army on February 4, 1951 and served in Korea attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was awarded the Bronze Star with four oak leaf clusters and numerous other citations. He was among the 100 troops within half of a mile of ground zero when the atomic tests were conducted in Nevada. He was honorably discharged in 1954. After he was discharged, he partnered with his father on the ranch until 1959 when a public auction of his livestock and farm/ranch equipment was sold. He moved to California with his family. He bought a prune orchard/vineyard. Acquiring additional properties, he planted several thousand acres of premium varietal wine grapes. He supervised the entire operation from pruning to harvest employing hundreds of workers. He also held a Farm Labor Contractor license and a Used Car Dealer license. In 1987 he attended his high school reunion in Springview, NE, and became reacquainted with Wanda (Vaughan) Rasmussen. They were married September, 17, 1987 and moved to Roseburg, OR, again developing vast vineyard acreage. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Republican Party Senatorial Inner Circle. He attended both inaugurals of President Reagan. He and Wanda retired to Ogalalla, NE, in June 2010 where Wanda's daughter, Carollee Sloan, has been their caregiver. He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Lizzie Rasmussen, and sister, Clara Rasmussen Tupa and brother, Vernon. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Vaughan Sloan Rasmussen, sisters Margaret Rasmussen Nims, Hannah Rasmussen Pentecost, Doris Rasmussen Carr, and brothers Louie Frank (Lou) and Leonard, son Rocki, daughter Roni Marie Giamona, ex-spouse Gladys Lunn and numerous nephews, nieces and friends. Published: Ainsworth Star Journal

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SFC US ARMY KOREA

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