JOHN RASMUSSEN, 71

John L. Rasmussen, St. Paul dairy farmer and founder of the dairy equipment company Ranch Automation, died Friday, April 7, 1989, at his home in St. Paul. He was 71.

He was born the son of Louis I. and Grace (Kennedy) Rasmussen on March 31, 1918, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He grew up in Blair and graduated from Blair High School.

He married Maxine M. Taylor on February 14, 1941, in Blair, where they dairy farmed. In 1955, they moved to Roy, Washington and in 1959 to St. Paul. He continued to dairy farm until the mid-1960s, at which time he turned the operation over to his son, Marlin.

In 1963 he organized and founded Ranch Automation, a dairy-equipment building company. He was actively involved in the business with his son, Norman, until ill health forced his retirement.

As an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, he was a past council president, and Sunday School superintendent and teacher. He served on the board of directors of Chemeketa Community College and as director of Mayflower Farms, a dairyman’s co-op, for 14 years. He enjoyed showing and breeding registered Holstein cattle. He valued the time he spent with his family and grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife, Maxine M. Rasmusssen of St. Paul; two sons, Marlin of St. Paul and Norman of Newberg; two daughters, Karen Hull Meuchel of Salem and Linda Wood of Bend; one brother, Ross Rasmussen of Hooper, Nebraska; one sister, Margaret Stock of Murdock, Nebraska; 12 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; several step-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A brother, Laurets Rasmussen, preceded him in death in 1983.

Private family cryptside services were April 10 at Valley View Memorial Park in Newberg, followed by memorial services at Zion Lutheran church. The Rev. Kenneth C. Larson officiated.