Russell Rasmussen 1933 – 2024
Russell Rasmussen, 90 of Menahga died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 26, 2024. A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at First English Lutheran Church, Menahga with Pastor Jim Hallaway officiating. Congregational hymns were accompanied by Ruth Kinnunen. Special music was provided by Pastor Jim, Karl Olsen, and Deb Lund. Military Honors were provided by Menahga V.F.W. Post #6206 of Menahga. Russell was laid to rest at Menahga City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Menahga Senior Center, the Menahga V.F.W., or the Menahga Area Museum.
Russell Harold Rasmussen was born in Webster City, IA to Howard and Ruby (Elkin) Rasmussen. He grew up on a farm in Wadena County. He attended and graduated from Menahga Public School and was captain of the school’s first football team. After high school, Russell went to work in the mines in Hibbing and with the railroad. In 1953 he entered the United States Army and went to Korea. While at bootcamp, he was the last man standing in the struggle pit.
On June 4, 1955, Russell married his high school sweetheart Arlene Liimatta and together their union was blessed with two daughters Linda and Lori. He retired at the age of 76. Russell and Arlene moved from Minneapolis to the Menahga lake home in 2016.
Russ was a born hunter, cutting his teeth on a shotgun shell. He hunted elk in Montana and caribou at the North Pole. He enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings. Russ enjoyed going to coffee every Monday at the Menahga Senior Center and hamburger night at the VFW. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the VFW. In March of 2023 Russ and Arlene were crowned King and Queen for the St. Urho’s Day Celebration. Russ was a big teddy bear, loved fiercely, and was loved fiercely.
Russell is mourned by his wife of 69 years Arlene of Menahga; Daughters Linda (Bernie) Walz of Rice, Minnesota; Lori Rasmussen of Park Rapids, Minnesota; Grandchildren Adam (Karly Woelfel) Walz of Becker, Minnesota; Tonia (Mike) Swartzer of Keller TX; Great-Grandchildren Noah Rutherford, Sydney, and Bennet Swartzer; Sister Lillian Amundson of Messa, AZ; many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
Russell is preceded into death by his parents Howard and Ruby; brother-in-law Robert Amundson; and nephew Dean Amundson.
Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of Wadena, Minnesota.Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Russ’ Tribute Wall.7-10c
It’s so hard to lose people who played such an important role in my life. And the thing is, Russ probably had little idea that it meant so much to me. All the times I spent at their cabin with Linda, and all the activities that were available because Russ took the time to make sure we had a good time. Canoeing, Waterskiing, Snowmobiling, just hanging out on the water in whatever boat was around. Those were among the best days of my youth, and I’ll miss his laughter, his grumbling about this or that, and the way he’d ask the right questions and carry on conversations even though I was one more kid hanging around the place. So grateful for all the sharing of interests, especially anything to do with the natural world. A lot of my life’s interests and activities continued down that path. I know now how very lucky I was.