Don J Rasmussen

Don J. Rasmussen, 86, of Cedar Falls passed away on Friday, March 13, 2020, at Nation Cottage at Western Home Communities.  He was born November 26, 1933, in Waterloo, the only child of Hans "Gus" and Opal (Berogan) Rasmussen.  Don was raised and attended schools in Cedar Falls graduating with the Cedar Falls High School Class of 1951.  He attended the University of Northern Iowa, then worked for Chamberlain Manufacturing where he began dating Marlene Schild.  Don and Marlene were married on April 29, 1956, at the First Evangelical Church of the Brethren in Cedar Falls.  He was a member of the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves.  Don worked for John Deere for 45 years, retiring as a Design Engineer/Illustrator in 2000.  He was a former member and president of the Janesville Lions Club having also served as a district officer, he was a former officer of the US Power Squadron, board member of the Community Concert Association, served on the board at Hawkeye Community College and was a member of the Northeast Iowa Sports Car Club.

Don was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Marlene; and his daughters, Kim (Peter) Wilcox of Cedar Falls and Terri (Craig) Strein of Waterloo.

Don's memorial service will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at First Christian Church of Cedar Falls with visitation from 10-11:00 am.  Memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church or Western Home Communities and condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com .

Don was an incredibly creative and talented artist who was adept at singing, painting, drawing, calligraphy and photography.  His life's dream was to be an architect and he designed two of the homes in which he and his family lived in Cedar Falls.  Don enjoyed sports cars, motorcycles and boats and usually had his partner-in-adventure, Marlene, along for the ride.  He will be missed for his dry wit and telling smiles.