Named Douglas Co.’s Most Outstanding Farmer

James R. Rasmussen, 82, of Fremont, died Monday, Nov. 28, 2011.

Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Sinai Lutheran Church in Fremont. Inurnment will be at Prospect Hill Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn.

James R. "Jim" Rasmussen was born Sept. 30, 1929, in Fremont to Clarence and Vivian Rasmussen. He was raised in the Fremont area and graduated from Fremont High School in 1947.

He met the love of his life, Ellanore, in 1948, while hauling grain for Hunt Transportation. He would stop in the afternoon for ice cream at the Midway Café, between Waterloo and Valley, where she would sneak him an extra scoop. The couple was married Aug. 27, 1949, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn.

They moved to their first home in Valley, where they lived for five years. In 1954, they moved to Elk City, where they raised grain and livestock. During that time, Mr. Rasmussen was named Douglas County's "Most Outstanding Farmer," served as treasurer for St. Mark's Lutheran Church; served as secretary for the Farm Bureau; and was active as a leader in 4-H.

In 1960, the family moved to a farm north of Arlington, where they would reside for 37 years. Mr. Rasmussen continued to farm and work a variety of jobs. In 1997, the couple moved to Fremont.

Mr. Rasmussen was an avid sports fan, going with his family to numerous Nebraska Cornhusker and College World Series games, as well as closely following his children's and grandchildren's athletic endeavors. He enjoyed watching the New York Mets, Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs on TV with his wife.

He also loved to go fishing with his wife, children, and grandchildren, keeping his fishing gear ready to go at all times.

He is survived by his wife, Ellanore, of Fremont; three daughters and sons-in-law, Debra and Kent of Lincoln, Lee Ann and Dave of Tuscola, Texas, and Brenda and Steve of Lander, Wyo.; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Jay of Fairbury, and Ray and Jennie of Fremont; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Ross and Steven of Fremont.

He was preceded in death by a sister, JoAnn, and son, Kent.

Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.