Arthur Leroy Rasmussen, 94
Arthur Leroy Rasmussen, 94, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2009, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. Art was born in Bruce, S.D., on Jan. 12, 1915, son of Casper and Selma Rasmussen and brother to five other siblings.
His father was an immigrant farmer from Norway, but Art decided there was probably not a future for him in farming. His advanced schooling was one year at South Dakota State College.
In 1936, when he was 21 years of age, his girlfriend Bea talked him into driving her family out to Kalispell. The next year he married the love of his life Bernice Bern and they lived their entire married life of 72 years in Kalispell.
Early on, he discovered his passion for selling and spent his entire working career in furniture sales taking over ownership of Kelly-Main Street furniture in the 1960s. Throughout his working life, Art took his role as a member of the Kalispell business community seriously and served as bank director of First Interstate Bank for 21 years, was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, and a Life of Montana Insurance director.
He was also active in other community organizations: past board and lifetime member of the Salvation Army, United Way volunteer, and an enthusiastic, committed Rotarian for over 65 years.
He was passionate about his church home, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and served in many capacities over the years. He taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, was congregation president, and chaired the outreach committee for many years. His love of people and his love of the Lord was evident in his passionate effort to reach out to the unchurched.
He loved life and his wife and family were his greatest joy. His witness for Christ, his passion for life and his joy of giving was an inspiration to his family and all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Clifford Rasmussen; three sisters, Lillian Tufty, Agnes Frevik and Violet Green; and his grandson, Patrick Siblerud.
He is survived by his wife, Bea Rasmussen, of Kalispell; a sister, Bernice Jensen, of Seattle; his daughter and son-in-law, Marlene and Roger Siblerud, of Somers; his daughter and son-in-law, Margie and Jim LaRue, of Seneca, S.C.; grandchildren, Kelly Nelson, Dan Siblerud and wife Kelly of Somers, Brad LaRue and wife Leslie of Greenville, S.C., Todd LaRue and wife Jennifer of Austin, Texas, and great-grandchildren, Andy Siblerud, Nicole and Haley Nelson, Logan and Sierra Siblerud, Van and Lander LaRue, and Harrison and Emme LaRue.
Memorials in lieu of flowers can be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Rotary Club, or a charity of choice.
Art's celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell, with a reception following the service. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Interment will be at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Arthur's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Arthur's guest book.