Gaylord "Ras" Rasmussen

Gaylord “Ras” Rasmussen passed away on September 10, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri at the age of 88, surrounded by his three children.

Ras was born on August 12, 1937 in Harlan, Iowa to Holgar and Mayme Rasmussen. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa, attending on a football and track scholarship. He married Carolyn on April 4, 1959, and they enjoyed 64 years of marriage before her passing.

Ras worked at JC Penney for 40 years, starting as a stockroom worker and working his way to a Regional Manager with responsibility for a quarter of the United States. He spent many years traveling, visiting every state in the U.S., 65 different countries, and all seven continents. He loved watching college and professional sports, his favorites being the Kansas City Chiefs, Michigan State Spartans, and the South Carolina Gamecocks. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Ras was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Carolyn. He is survived by his three children: Jill Wilhite of Raymore, MO, Tracy Bradford (husband, Tim) of Southlake, TX, and Eric Rasmussen (wife, Jennifer) of Vonore, TN; grandchildren: Kyle Wilhite, Erica Bradford, Rachel Schweitzer (husband, Austin), and Alicia Rasmussen; a great grandson, Colten Schweitzer; and a brother-in-law, James Geidl (wife, Lynda).

A memorial Mass will be held at a future date at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.