J. Paul Rasmussen, 63, of Alden, died Monday, Nov. 17, 2008, at the Albert Lea Medical Center in Albert Lea. Funeral Services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Alden. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. The Rev. Greg Ofsdahl will officiate. Burial will be private.
James Paul Rasmussen was born July 6, 1945, in Albert Lea, the son of Robert and Janet (Wayne) Rasmussen. Paul was a lifelong resident of the Alden area, graduating from Alden High School in 1963. Paul married Mary Doppelhammer and to this union two daughters were born. The couple later divorced. Paul worked for Built Rite in Conger, for 38 years. On Oct. 29, 2004, he was united in marriage to Esther K. Johnson in Alden. Paul was an Alden Fireman for over 25 years. He enjoyed snowmobiling, trap shooting, camping, visiting with family and friends, but most especially riding his Harley. He was also a huge NASCAR fan and enjoyed watching sports.
He is survived by his wife, Esther Rasmussen of Alden; his dog Harlie; two daughters: Sheila (Shawn) Riebe and Jayne (Shawn) Linn, all of Alden; stepfather: Ken Niebuhr of Alden; one sister: Jill (Glen) Mathiason of Alden; one brother: Mark (Lynnette) Rasmussen of Albert Lea; two stepdaughters: Michele (Tracy) Taylor of Mauston, Wis., and Stacey (Tom) Westland of Lonsdale; eight grandchildren: Renae Linn, Annika and Ella Riebe, Ashley and Jarrett Taylor, Tyler, Eric and Jorden Westland; one aunt: Perk Jellinger of Brainerd; two nieces: Shannan (Chris) Nelson of Alden, Sara (Josh) Stieler of Apple Valley; three nephews: Tim (Anne) Rasmussen of Kenosha, Wis., James Rasmussen of Austin, Rob (Sarah) Rasmussen of Albert Lea; and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.