Funeral services for 63-year old Frank Rasmussen Jr are Sat, April 23, 2022 at 10:00 at the Hot Springs Wesleyan Church in Hot Springs, SD, with Pastor Liz Awe officiating.
Cremation will follow the services
Frank Gene Rasmussen Jr was born on June 5, 1958 in Hot Springs, SD, to Rita (Standing Soldier) and Frank Rasmussen Sr. Jesus took him home to live in Heaven on April 9, 2022, after a life filled with struggle and health issues, but never lacking in joy and love.
Frank Jr had numerous health problems as a child. That gave him ample time to read the entire encyclopedia in his bed, which helped lead him to scholastic success later. As he grew, he grew stronger and flourished in his studies.
He left high school after only 3 years to attend the University of Denver with a full-tuition scholarship. Before his second year of college, a mix-up occurred within the college with his scholarship that required him to take a year off from college.
So he opted to go to work. Not long after this, he began working in his favorite job of all time, radio. He decided not to return to college at this point.
In 1979, Frank married his very best friend, Deborah Ash, who brought two young boys into the marriage. Frank was an exceptional step-parent. He eventually made both boys his legal children and the word “step-father” was banned permanently from the family dynamic.
Two girls also blessed their union over the next few years and Frank’s family was complete. Frank cherished his wife and all four of their children for the rest of his life, along with his large, extended family and many friends.
Over the years, Frank worked in many jobs to support his family: radio, furniture and appliance delivery, house painting, taxi driver, truck driver, bellman/limo drive, oil field chemical production, lawn and yard service, and pizza cook/bartender, to name a few.
He was always willing to do whatever it took to take care of the family that he loved so much.
In early 1984, Frank began to feel weaker and have other health issues. As he struggled with his health and financial issues, he was led by his childhood friend, David Carey, to give his life to the Lord in 1984. From that point on, no matter the adversity Frank faced, his joy in Jesus never faltered, filling his heart and life.
While working to find the cause of his health woes, he decided to return to college in 1985 and began attending Oglala Lakota College. In mid-1986, he received a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy.
He determined right then and there that he would dedicate his remaining time and energy to his family. He even partnered with his wife to homeschool their children for many years.
Frank’s faith, determination, and sheer force of will to be there for his family kept him active and alive much longer than any of his doctors had believed was possible, such was the strength of his love.
Frank loved Jesus, his family, nature – especially his beloved Black Hills, and music. He had a special sense of humor that brought warmth to all who loved him.
As his children grew and began their own families, he welcomed each and every one of his grandchildren into his heart, treasuring all of them immensely. Frank was an exceptionally loving husband, father, brother, son, nephew, grandfather, uncle, and friend.
His family and friends were the recipients of all of his love and support, which went far beyond the average. His humor and warmth brought light to their lives in so many ways.
Frank is survived by his children, Shane, Richard (Shareece Tatum), Melissa (Chuck) Besore, and Rosetta (Steve) Allen; brothers, Ronald (Loretta) Bergen and Floyd (Michelle) Rasmussen; sisters, Sylvia Ecoffey, Fay Rasmussen, and Filma (David) Jones; seventeen grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and one great-great niece.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Rita & Frank Rasmussen Sr; brother, Donald Bergen; sister, Karen Bergen-Hildebrand; maternal grandparents, Paul Standing Soldier and Mae Birdsall; and paternal grandparents, Fred Rasmussen and Bethal (Wilder) Rasmussen.
Pallbearers will be Jason Ash, Pat Evans, Jr., Devin LaMont, Xzerci LaMont, Steven Allen, and Charles Besore.
Honorary pallbearers will be All Beloved Friends & Relatives.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD