R. Leroy Rasmussen

Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Robert LeRoy Rasmussen, 91, of Idaho Falls, passed away December 18, 2010, at Idaho Falls Care and Rehab Center of natural causes. LeRoy was born June 20, 1919, in Coltman, Idaho, to George Henry Rasmussen and Rose Smith Rasmussen. He attended school in Coltman and graduated from Ucon High School. He lived most of his life in Idaho Falls, except for working briefly in Seattle, Washington, for Boeing Aircraft, and Grand Junction, Colorado, for S. H. Kress Company. He met Ethel Eunice Smith on a blind date at a dance being held at the Idaho Falls LDS Nursing Home, where she worked as a dietitian. They were married June 25, 1947, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They made their home in Idaho Falls, where LeRoy worked in retail management for Bon Marché; as a Bonneville County Assessor; was the first manager who opened the Idaho Falls Deseret Industries; and in the apartment remodeling and rental business with his wife, whom he affectionately referred to as “Eddie.” LeRoy was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities over the years, including the Idaho Falls North Stake High Council, as Ward Finance Clerk, and as a counselor in the 4th Ward Bishopric. He enjoyed speaking, writing poems and stories, and tributes for friends, and published them for family members. He enjoyed performing in theatrical productions and being Master of Ceremonies. LeRoy especially loved remodeling homes, traveling, and enjoyed watching sunsets at Heise and Mack’s Inn. LeRoy always had a smile for everyone and was a kind and generous person. When asked how he was, his response was always “it’s a great day!” LeRoy is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ethel; four sons, Leland (Jean) Rasmussen of Salt Lake City, UT, Lindel (Helen) Rasmussen of Idaho Falls, ID, Lowell (Lilli) Rasmussen of Kelso, WA, and Larry (Lori) Rasmussen of Salt Lake City, UT; three daughters, Linda Lee (Lowell) Shaw of Idaho Falls, ID, Lenice Kay White of Meridian, ID, and Lorna Beth (Calvin) Johnson of Idaho Falls, ID; 26 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and five sisters, and a grandson, Scott Edward Rasmussen. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 27, 2010, at the Idaho Falls LDS 4th Ward, 955 Memorial Drive, with Bishop Kevin Hathaway officiating. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and Monday from 12 to 12:45 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. The family wishes to express special thanks to Idaho Falls Care and Rehab and Hospice of Eastern Idaho.

Funeral Services

1:00 p.m. ,Monday, December 27, 2010 Idaho Falls LDS 4th Ward 955 Memorial Drive Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Notes: The family will visit with friends Sunday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and Monday from 12 to 12:45 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.