Joel W. Rasmussen

Joel W. Rasmussen, 59, of Clear Lake, died Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at his home in Clear Lake.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, April 30, 2017, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Adam Tyler officiating.

  Joel’s family suggests memorial contributions to the Center for Great Apes, PO Box 488, Wauchula, FL 33873 or at www.centerforgreatapes.org.

Joel Wayne Rasmussen was born Jan. 13, 1958, the son of Wayland and Margaret (Rosemeyer) Rasmussen, in Mason City.

He graduated from Mason City High School in 1976 before graduating from NIACC and attending UNI. After college, Joel worked for Dwyer Aircraft, then as the maintenance supervisor and aircraft firefighter at the Mason City Airport. He worked for the I.O.O.F. Home in maintenance before working for ConWay-Truck Load out of Joplin, Mo. as a truck driver until he retired due to his health in 2014.

Joel married Shirley Knapp on July 23, 1980, in Clear Lake, and to this union, two children were born, Adam and Alicia.

In his free time, Joel enjoyed photography, playing with Photoshop, drawing (especially cartoons), target shooting, bowling, and had recently learned to play the guitar. He loved airplanes and was an avid Green Bay Packers and Wild hockey fan. He also spent a lot of time camping, fishing, and traveling while the kids were growing up.

Joel was a member of the Clear Lake I.O.O.F Lodge.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Shirley Rasmussen, Clear Lake; his children, Adam (Samantha) Rasmussen, Cheney, Kan., and Alicia (Justin) Hansen, Wauchula, Fla.; his grandson, Oliver Rasmussen; his siblings, James (Joanne) Rasmussen, and June Erwin; nieces and nephews, Katie (Jake) Walker, Daniel Rasmussen, James (Sheri) Vierkant, Ben Erwin, Matt Erwin, John Erwin, Dusty Knapp and Jamie Knapp; and his great-niece and nephew, Hayley Vierkant and Issiac Walker; and his granddogs, Roxie, River, and Veishea; grandcats, Fonzie, Charlie, Panda, and Gizmo.

Joel was preceded in death by his parents, Wayland and Margaret (Rosemeyer) Rasmussen; his sister, Jane Woodsmall; and his nephew Eric Knapp.

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