Pastor Jim's Page

Pastor James Rasmussen

James David Rasmussen was born January 6, 1945 and was adopted and raised by David and Myrtle Rasmussen in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Jim graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in May 1967. He married Terry Thiele in August 1967, and went to seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, and graduated with a Master's Degree in Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary in May 1971. He served as an ELCA Lutheran pastor for over 38 years.

Jim served congregations in Goodland, Kansas; McCook, Nebraska; Littleton, Colorado, Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and Fort Collins, Colorado. He was serving Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colorado when he died. He died of a heart attack suddenly and unexpectedly. He had served Trinity since August 1999. He also served on the Institutional Review Board at Poudre Valley Hospital.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Terry, his six children, Jennifer and Richard Schmalz of Cincinnati, Ohio; Jeremy and Keri Rasmussen of Loveland, Colorado; and Jaimie and Ben Rudolph of Littleton, Colorado; and five grandchildren, RJ Schmalz, Andie Rasmussen, Ava Schmalz, Siri Rasmussen, and Owen Schmalz.

He will be remembered for his love of Jesus, his family and the church. His family and friends will remember him for his affinity for Coca-cola, Harry Potter, MASH, all things tennis, and M & M's. He will be greatly missed for his sense of humor, his thoughtfulness, his generous nature, and tender heartedness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Garden or Trinity Lutheran Church Pre-School, Fort Collins, CO.

Memorial service 2 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Pastor Jim baptizes granddaughter, Ava.