David C. Rasmussen

David Carlyle Rasmussen, 81, of Clear Lake, died Sept. 25, 2015, at Mercy Hospital, in Mason City.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake.  A family inurnment will be at Madison Township Cemetery, Forest City, Iowa.

David Carlyle Rasmussen was born in Oconomowoc, Wis., on Oct. 20, 1933, the second son of a farm couple, Carlyle and Verna (Schubel) Rasmussen.  He was baptized on Nov. 12, 1933, by the Rev. L.K. Johnson, and confirmed his faith on May 18, 1947, after receiving confirmation instruction from his pastor, the Rev. I.J. Tanner, son of Dr. Jacob Tanner.

David grew up on a small dairy farm in eastern Wisconsin with one brother, Don.  He received diplomas from Monterey School, a one-room country school (1947); Oconomowoc High School (1951); Waldorf College (1953); Luther College (1955); and the University of Northern Colorado (1960).  After serving for two years in the U.S. Army, he began his industrial arts teaching career in Dows, Iowa for five years and Clear Lake High School another four years.  He was then invited by his college mentor, Dr. H.E. “Hap” Holmen, to teach industrial education at Waldorf College.  David retired in 1993 serving 27 years as Professor, Registrar, and Assistant Dean at Waldorf.

On June 4, 1955, one day before his graduation from Luther College, David was united in marriage to Esther Alfseike at Elim Lutheran Church, Randall, Iowa.

He is survived by three children, Fay (David) Bohn, of Atherton, Calif., Janet (Roger) Christensen, of Ida Grove, Iowa, and Craig Rasmussen, of Savage, Minn.; four grandchildren, Andrew Bohn, William Bohn, Emily (Todd) Cavell, and Isaac Christensen; and one great-grandchild, Elijah Cavell.

David held a strong conviction that God had a plan for his life and felt that his occupation and each of his community, church and employment opportunities were his calling.  He was active in civic affairs (Planning and Zoning, Rotary Club, Opportunity Village Board), church activities (Sunday school teacher, church council, congregation president, Elderberries, and offering counter), and professional organizations (NEA, ISEA, AIAA, IIEA).   Following his retirement he provided lay pulpit supply countless times to 15 or more congregations in the North Iowa area.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Carlyle and Verna; and his brother, Don.

Family suggests memorials to Muse-Norris Hospice, Mason City; Opportunity Village; or Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.