John Dennis RASMUSSEN, M.D.

RASMUSSEN, LEAVERTON, PUCKETT, FOSTER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:07:00

John Dennis Rasmussen, M.D.
August 20, 1937 ---- May 20, 2022

Palm Desert - Our most beloved John Dennis Rasmussen, known as Jack to friends and family, peacefully passed surrounded by his family on May 20, 2022. He fought the hard fight against a cancer that eventually took him from us but it never took the sparkle from his eyes, his charm, his intellect, his enduring adoration of his wife, or his love of family, and friends.

Jack is survived by his wife Janet (Jan) and their children Elizabeth, Karen, Abigail (h. Jeffrey), Sarah, and Benjamin (w. Milissa); grandchildren Kirstin (h. Daniel), Andrew, Jack, Jessica, Tyler, Trevor, and Sydney; and great-grandchildren Avery and Elise. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Blanche Rasmussen, siblings Dale Rasmussen and Lois Leaverton, and grandson Matthew Puckett.

Born to John and Blanche Rasmussen in Goldfield, Iowa, on August 20, 1937, Jack, his brother Dale and sister Lois were raised on the family farm. He attended elementary school in a one room schoolhouse and told stories of riding to school on the handlebars of Dale's bike. He graduated valedictorian from Renwick High School in 1955.

Jack graduated with honors from the University of Iowa in three years and then on to medical school. He met and married Janet Foster in 1958 and soon started their family. After completing his internship in 1963, he and Jan quickly moved to San Pedro, CA, where Jack served his country for two years in the Public Health Service. Then back to Iowa with Jan and their now 4 daughters to set up his medical practice in Fort Dodge. He served this community as a general practitioner for 6 years. In 1971, Jack, Jan, and family relocated to Seattle for a two-year anesthesia residency where they also welcomed the birth of their last child and most cherished son, Ben. Then to Sacramento, CA, where he practiced anesthesia at Mercy San Juan Hospital for 15 years. In 1987, Jack expanded his medical practice by completing a fellowship in Pain Management at the University of Washington. Jack, Jan, and Ben relocated to Palm Desert, CA in 1989, where he practiced Anesthesia and Pain Management at Eisenhower Medical Center. Dr. John Rasmussen completed his 40-year medical career in 2002.

An adventurous soul, he and Jan had many good times over the years with their family; skiing, sailing, biking, hiking, camping, golfing, and traveling the world. One highlight and personal achievement was climbing Mount Rainier in 1974. A voracious reader and lifelong learner he studied history and languages (Latin, French, German, Spanish, Danish). He shared a love for knitting with his daughters, enjoyed birding, and cheering for the University of Iowa Hawkeye football team. In 2022 he fulfilled a lifelong dream of viewing California Condors flying free in the wild. His retirement years in Palm Desert included frequent contributions to the editorial page of the Desert Sun, support for Desert ARC where both his son (Ben) and Ben's wife (Milissa) attended program, trips to Idyllwild, hiking San Jacinto with Ben, relaxing in the pool, lots of golf and Desert life with Jan and friends.

Blessed with a wicked sense of humor, Jack loved to tweak and shock family, friends, and coworkers. He loved a big laugh, loved to tell stories, and loved to find the humor in everyday life. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories filled with laughs and adventures.

At the core of Jack were his values to love, care and protect his family. He worked hard to provide and show his love for all. His altruistic nature and desire for social equality moved him to champion the under-represented and underserved. He instilled these values into his children; love and care for family, help those who are in need, and belief that each individual has value to be protected and loved.

Jack's life will be celebrated with family and friends Fall 2022.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the For Your Independence (FYI) Supported Living Services at Desert ARC.

June 3, 2022
The Desert Sun -- Palm Springs, CA