Dennis E. Rasmussen

Dennis was born on December 3, 1948, at the old Everett General Hospital. He passed away on August 18, 2021 at home with his family by his side. He was the middle child of Robert Jr. and Jean Rasmussen, long-time Marysville residents. Dennis was in Cub and Boy Scouts. He attended Marysville High School and graduated with the Class of 1967. Dennis attended a year of school at Everett Community College, then he joined the Marines in 1969 and served as a computer programmer at the 3rd Marine Air Wing at El Toro Marine Base. After being honorably discharged in 1971, he went back to college and got his Associate degree in June 1972. While visiting his sister Linda’s apartment, he met her roommate from nursing school, Vickie Vogl. Both Linda and Vickie were working as RN nurses at the hospital in Aberdeen. Dennis and Vickie were married in Everett on August 19, 1972. They moved to Bellingham where Dennis continued his education via the GI Bill at Western Washington University and Vickie started her long career as a pediatric nurse, retiring in late 2008. Dennis eventually finished his education with a Bachelor’s in Science. He started to work for the Mount Baker Plywood mill as a boiler operator, a position he held for the next 12 years. Then Dennis worked at the experimental Skagit County resource recovery facility until 1995 when it was closed. He later moved his boiler skills onto the Ferndale oil refinery run by Conoco Philips retiring in 2014 after a 20+ year career there. Dennis and Vickie enjoyed retirement with several overseas trips and cruises to Europe – visiting family in Denmark – and as well as Central and South America, the Mediterranean and Asia. They visited about 60 countries in all and most of the United States. In addition to traveling, Dennis loved planning home improvement projects, remodeling, and new construction. He was a master builder. He was never far from his computer. Dennis enjoyed genealogy research and found several “lost” relatives through DNA testing, including his maternal grandfather and his family. He also photographed hundreds of headstones for the “Find a Grave” website. He was fond of backyard BBQs, reading, fixing antique cars, studying history, finding great deals at garage sales, cheering for the Seattle Seahawks, and homemade cherry pie. He cherished being a grandpa “papa” and shared a special bond with his grandson Eben. Dennis was always happiest when he was spending time with family and friends. In addition to his caring nature, Dennis will always be remembered for his adventurous spirit, sense of humor, wit, generosity, helpfulness, and his ability to give wise and thoughtful advice. Dennis was proceeded in death by his father, Robert Rasmussen Jr., who passed away in 2014. He is survived by his wife Vickie of Lynden, and their two children: Monica Rasmussen (Alejandro) of Shoreline, and Erik Rasmussen (Sherri) of Ferndale, and a grandson: Eben Rasmussen, as well as Sherri’s son Hayden Alleva, who Dennis treated like his own grandson, mother Jean Rasmussen of Marysville, brother Gerry Rasmussen (Cathy) of Lacey; and sister Linda Litch (Steve) of Arlington. Also survived by several nieces and nephews and numerous first and second cousins scattered around Denmark and Puget Sound. A graveside service is scheduled for 12:30 PM, August 27, 2021 at Bayview Cemetery in Bellingham, WA. with reception to follow In lieu of flowers, please donate to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance or Wounded Warrior Project on his behalf.

Dennis E. Rasmussen

December 3, 1948 - August 18, 2021