Orval Rasmussen

Orval was born on January 20, 1935, in Goldfield, Iowa. He was the fourth of six children born to Emma Faye (Prusia) and Oliver Lee Rasmussen. He grew up in Goldfield, graduated from Goldfield Senior High, and joined the United States Air Force. His career included working at US Gypsum and self-employment as a carpenter. Orval found the love of his life when he met Patricia Mae Williamson. His third-grade daughter Jane, who was in Patty’s class, arranged their unconventional meeting. It was truly “love at first sight.” The couple was married the following year on December 19, 1970. Their union merged two families and created a beautiful family of their own. Married for 49 years, Patty and Orval raised their 6 children, June Richardson, Orval Rasmussen Jr., Jane Boyle, Mark Rasmussen, Leanna (David) Simpson, and Steven (Becky) Rasmussen. In May of 2020, Orval lost his beloved Patty and from that loss he never fully recovered.

Orval was known for his unwavering loyalty, work ethic, friendliness, faith, and humor. He could often be found sipping his coffee, reading the newspaper, befriending a stranger, working on a puzzle, or making people laugh. His greatest treasure was spending time and making memories with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Most of all, Orval loved to share his faith. At 9 years old, he joined a church baseball team, which led him to find Christ. Finding Christ changed his life and legacy. His forever prayer was for his family and friends to see Christ in him and for them to choose Christ for themselves. Orval is survived by his six children, 14 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Patty, four siblings, and sons-in-law Bruce Boyle and Mike Richardson.

On November 22, 2024, at Northfield Church of Christ in Fort Dodge, Iowa, visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m. Private entombment will be at North Lawn Mausoleum. A luncheon will be provided thereafter at Northfield Church. Memorials can be made to Northfield Church of Christ of Fort Dodge, Iowa or Agape Pregnancy Center, 2550 Martin Luther King Jr Parkway, DSM, IA, 50310. Services entrusted to Gunderson Funeral Home.