Gary Allen Rasmussen

Gary Allen Rasmussen, 83 of Elba, passed away surrounded by his loving family on August 3, 2026, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island.

 He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Charlotte; three daughters, Susan Rasmussen, Kristina Radke, and Robyn Rasmussen all of Elba; two sons, Ryan (Mickey) Rasmussen of St. Paul, Aron (Holly) Rasmussen of Elkhorn; five granddaughters, Kiaya Radke, Maycee Radke, Shia Rasmussen, Avery Rasmussen, Klaira Rasmussen; six grandsons, Alan Hurless, Thaddeus Radke, Brexton Radke, Trevon Rasmussen, Arjay Rasmussen, Axl Rasmussen; and one great-granddaughter, Kyanah Kay Smith; two brothers, Robert (Francine) Rasmussen of Cotesfield, Randy Rasmussen of Virgina; one sister, Nancy (Mike) McCarthy of St. Paul; one sister-in-law, Lori (Bart) Barry of Omaha; two aunts, Margie Townsend and Ellamae Townsend; Richard Hurless of Oakland, Steve Radke of Elba, Alison Rasmussen of Elkhorn and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Gary and Charlotte also hosted a very special foreign exchange student, Irene Koh, who is thought of as a part of their family.

Family and friends are invited to honor Gary’s memory at a visitation on August 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the St. Paul United Methodist Church. Funeral Services will be on August 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. also at the St. Paul United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at the Cotesfield Cemetery.

Gary was born on March 10, 1943, at his family home near Cotesfield to Allen and Evelyn (Townsend) Rasmussen.

He graduated from Elba High School in 1961 and went on to attend Kearney State College, where he distinguished himself as a talented and dedicated student-athlete. His prowess on the football field was recognized through his selection to the All-Conference Team and inclusion in the 1963 Team of Distinction.

On August 15, 1965, Gary married Charlotte Tuma, beginning a loving partnership that would become the cornerstone of his life. Together they built not only a family but a heritage of generosity that touched all who knew him.

Gary began his career as a respected high school educator, teaching business and typing at Bloomington, Elba and St. Paul. He also took on the roles of Head Football Coach and Athletic Director while at St. Paul High School. His professional endeavors showcased his talents and ingrained a love of sports in generations of young people. After his retirement in 1974, Gary became a devoted farmer and cattle feeder alongside his father, Allen. Farming quickly became his passion and his permanent way of life. He also enjoyed visiting with all of the customers of Charlies Station of Elba which he and Charlotte owned and operated for 20 years. 

He was involved in many community organizations and served on numerous boards throughout his adult life. Some of his significant service includes: 12 years as a Howard County Commissioner, over 25 years on the 9 County Health Board where he chaired a committee to build a new office building, both Elba and Farwell school boards, the Elba Community Foundation where he had a large part in helping to build the new Elba Community Building, and he served as Church Finance Chair during the construction of the new United Methodist Church in St. Paul. Gary was instrumental in starting the Friends of 4-H to support the 4-H livestock exhibitors in Howard County. He served as Worshipful Master and was very active with the St. Paul Masonic Lodge #82 until its closure in 2022. He then became a member of the Ashler Lodge #33 in Grand Island. At the time of his passing, he was also a member of the Hastings Valley Scottish Rite in Hastings, Danish Brotherhood Lodge 211, and the Elks Lodge in Grand Island. He served as the President of the St. Paul Jaycees and in 1970, he helped to launch the first demolition derby at the Howard County Fair, a tradition that has brought joy to the community for decades. His teaching continued though the church where he taught Sunday school for many years and would fill in to give a sermon if needed. 

Gary will mostly be remembered as a loving husband, a supportive father and grandfather, a devoted farmer and cattle feeder, a respected teacher and coach, and a great friend to many. His family was his greatest joy in life, and he was always so proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved to take Charlotte on vacations, to Palm Springs, San Antonio, the Caribbean, Washington, D.C., New York City, and even overseas to South Korea. He also enjoyed taking his family to Kansas City most summers after it rained an inch. As a Christian, Gary taught his family to worship God by going to church every Sunday and praying before every meal. His faith in God carried him through the many trials of his life, and he made sure to always give thanks for all that he was blessed with.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Evelyn Rasmussen; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Helen Tuma; his sister-in-law, Marlene Ewers; and his nephew, Josh Rudolf.