Richard William Rasmussen

Richard William Rasmussen

October 26, 1935 - January 01, 2023

Obituary

VERONA - Richard William “Dick” Rasmussen, 87 years young, peacefully passed away on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2023.  He was born on Oct. 26, 1935, to Harry and Elsie (Hammerly) Rasmussen, in Mazomanie, Wis.

Dick grew up in Madison and attended West High School. He was a very active young man with many interests that lead him to a life of success. Dick embraced an opportunity to purchase a company in 1963 later known as Body Shop Supply Company, Inc. In 1976, he founded PBE Jobbers Warehouse Inc. Dick also had many real estate endeavors. 50-plus years later he completely retired and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Dick was an avid reader, writer of poems and songs and also a huge Packers fan. His hobbies spanned from picking a guitar in the silence, to blasting a variety of music on his stereo. Dick loved his dogs and they gave him great company. He was a bicyclist aficionado traveling all over the country to ride up and down the mountains in places such as Hawaii and Colorado. Dick collected many cars and each one had a story to tell.  His buddies from a young age kept in touch and started a “Kick Start Gang” riding their motorcycles in their later years together. Dick loved nature and being “in the woods.”  He would spend hours clearing trails, watching the wildlife and the sunsets with his dogs by his side.  Many people were touched by Dick’s kindness and generosity.

Dick is survived by his daughters, Denise Vial, Sina Sundby and Carla (David) Maier; grandchildren,  Katelynn Sundby, Heather Gruenke, Chandra (Torrance) Holmes and Erica Vial; great-grandchildren,  Camron Behnke, Mason Jackson, Brooke Dennis, and Lillian, Vivian and Tyson Gruenke; his grand dogs, The Howard, LB, Ludwig and Pearl; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his lifelong friend and mother of their daughters, Jan Rasmussen; his parents, Harry and Elsie; his brother, Robert Rasmussen; and sisters, Lucile Rettenmund and Carol Rose.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023.  A service will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.

The family wants to express their gratitude to all the staff at BeeHive Homes of Mount Horeb and Agrace HospiceCare for their compassionate attention.

Memorials may be gifted in Dick’s name to the German Shepherd Rescue Alliance of Wisconsin, P.O. Box 7354, Madison, WI 53707. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420



Events

17
Visitation
Tue Jan 17, 2023 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
18
Visitation
Wed Jan 18, 2023 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
18
Memorial Service
Wed Jan 18, 2023 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
18
Graveside Service
Wed Jan 18, 2023 @ 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM CDT
Roselawn Memorial Park • 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, WI 53716
KM
Kellie McKinney
Other •
Thank you for sharing your dad with us!!! He is already missed so much!! Thoughts to all of your family!! What a great man.
R
Renee
Other •
A photo of handsome Uncle Dick at my christening in 1954. My Mother asked her brother, Uncle Dick, to be my Godfather and my Dad's sister, Aunt Margie, to be my Godmother. All have passed except me and my siblings. Rest in peace, Uncle Dick. Peace and grace to his daughters and their families.
JG
Julie (Hill) Gullickson
Other •
My heartfelt condolences to you all. I have many fond memories of staying with you when I was young. I remember going to the shop putting stamps on letters, I thought I was someone special getting to do that. Your dad was kind to me as was your mom. I talk of those days to my husband still and think of you often, again I am sorry for your loss. ~Julie (Hill) Gullickson
LK
Linda Kuehn
Other •
Dick was a kind and generous man. He showed interest in everyone he met. I worked for him for 30 years and every time he entered the business he made sure to say hello to everyone and spend time getting to know you. He could party until dawn and because he was so energetic and fun he encouraged you to stay awake right along with him. He loved his dogs and his family and spoke of them often. Dick was a huge car & motorcycle enthusiasts. His vehicle collection was a thing of beauty. I will dearly miss this gentleman for the rest of my life. Enjoy the car shows in heaven, I'm sure they're spectacular. RIP Dick. ❤️
MH
Mary Handel
Other •
Carla and Family, I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. Please accept my condolences and let me know if there's anything I can do to help during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones right now. Sending my Love! Mary Handel
BR
Bob Rasmussen
Other •
Goodbye Richard, it was an awesome journey, thanks for all you did for me, I'll be forever greatful. Say hi to Jan when you there. Love Bobby

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