Robert J. Rasmussen, age 93, of Herman, Neb., passed away on May 9, 2024, at Dunklau Gardens, Fremont, Neb. Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Blair, Neb. Military graveside services by the Herman American Legion will follow in the Blair Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Campbell Aman Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m.
Bobby Jo was born on July 23, 1930, at the family farm in Spiker, Neb., to Robert and Mabel (Van De Venter) Rasmussen on a very hot summer day. He was raised in the Spiker area, attending country school at Spiker and Rose Hill before attending and graduating from Blair High School in 1947. Bob began driving trucks at the young age of 14 and continued into his 80’s when he retired for good. Rasmussen Transfer recently celebrated 104 years in business. Bob was drafted to the Army in January of 1952 and served in Germany during the Korean War. He was very proud of his service to his country and shared many pictures and stories over the years. He recently received his 70-year award from the Herman American Legion.
On May 20, 1956, he was joined in marriage to Charlotte Grothe at First Lutheran Church in Blair. He was proud to be the second wedding in the newly built church. They made their home on the family farm in Spiker, Neb., until Bob moved to assisted living in 2023. To this union were born three children: Randy, Rick and Penny. Bob’s family and friends were always very important to him.
Anyone who knew Bob knew that he was a man of his word, would help anyone in need, and loved to share his stories with anyone who wanted to listen. Bob was recently awarded the Golden Achievement award for over 50 years of driving and Rasmussen Transfer received an award for being in business over 100 years from the American Truck Historical Society. Bob and Charlotte were awarded the Aksarben Good Neighbor award in 2012. Bob was also awarded the Pioneer Trucker award. Bob didn’t know a stranger and could always make people feel welcome wherever he was. At assisted living he was known as “fun Bob." He loved this nickname. When his kids and grandkids were younger, he loved to tease them. His grandkids gave him the names “grandpa stinky” and “grandpa pain pain." He found humor in their nicknames. He would try to attend as many activities and help out with the grandkids as much as possible. He was always up for a good card game and taught many people how to play 65.
Bob is survived by sons: Randy (Lark) Rasmussen and Rick (Kim) Rasmussen, both of Herman, Neb., and daughter Penny (Don) Reifenrath of Wynot, Neb.; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; sister Marilynn (Tom) English of Montrose, Colorado and brothers-in law: Jim (Judy) Grothe of Tekamah, Neb., and Chuck (Althea) Grothe of O’Fallon, Mo.; very special friend Betty Heinssen; many nieces and nephews who adored him and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Charlotte, sister and brother-in-law Phyllis and Ed McMullen, daughter-in-law Deb Rasmussen, nephews: Rob McMullen, Jan Phillips and Darcy Phillips; his parents and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He will be missed by many, but his work ethic, value of friends and family, and sense of humor will live on in anyone who knew him.
Memorials may be directed to the Randall Backman Benefit at the Washington County Bank, Herman Rescue Squad, or Herman American Legion.
Services provided by Campbell Aman Funeral Home, Blair. www.campbellaman.com
