Douglas Rasmussen

Douglas Hal Rasmussen, 80, quickly left his mortal existence on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center due to complications of heart failure.

Doug was born on March 25, 1944, to Elvin Hal Rasmussen and LeIsle Greene Rasmussen in Driggs, Idaho. He was the oldest of 12 children and spent his childhood in Fox Creek, Driggs, Idaho. Teton Valley was forever in his heart and except for his mission he never stayed far from the view of the Grand Tetons.

Doug learned to work hard on the family farm with his dad and his siblings. Taking care of livestock was an everyday experience. He never spoke fondly of milking cows, however. Doug especially loved horses. It was a lifelong love for him. He had many stories to tell of the horses they owned as young kids. He loved them all.

In high school Doug played football and was a state championship wrestler. He could put you in a double arm bar quicker than anyone and wouldn’t stop until you were practically unconscious. He always spoke fondly of his days at Teton High School. Many experiences there helped to shape the rest of his life. He also met and was great friends with a sweet, cute girl who would become his wife later in their lives.

In September of 1962, Doug attended Ricks College where he was part of the wrestling team. He left to serve a mission in Switzerland for two and a half years in 1963. He never stopped talking about his mission all the rest of his life. There is no doubt it solidly founded his love of the Gospel and it became a source of strength that he drew from in every aspect of his earthly journey.

After returning from his mission Doug went back to Ricks College where he met Joellynn Beaman, and they were married on May 12, 1967, in the Idaho Falls Temple. From this union were born six children. Travis, Tracy, Trisha, Trent, Troy and Trevor. His family was his reason for living and he developed great skills as a father. This was natural for him being the oldest of his own siblings. He was tender and caring for them throughout his life. He was stalwart in his desire to guide them and lead them in the principles he found most dear.

In his early married life Doug tried selling insurance. It was not the correct direction for him. He enjoyed many years working for his Uncle Frank at Thompson Sporting Goods. He was employed there until the Teton Dam broke. That catastrophic event changed his direction in life. He began to develop his skills as a builder and his career in contracting took hold. He built many beautiful homes and buildings and was considered an excellent craftsman.

On March 28, 2014, Doug married Sally Thompson, She had two children, Trent Thompson and Tavia Thompson. He loved Trent and Tavia from the start and pulled them into his heart like his own children. Doug and Sally had a friendship from the early years of their youth and this was the perfect union of two wonderful people. They have enjoyed a beautiful life and though it became hard to care for Doug at the end, Sally met the challenge and his family will always be grateful for her love and devotion to him.

Doug is survived by his children Travis (Angie) Rasmussen of Rexburg, ID, Tracy Morris of Rexburg, ID, Trisha (Dave) Draney, Troy Rasmussen of Rexburg, ID, and Trevor (Heidy) Rasmussen of Rexburg, ID. Also his daughter-in-law Holly Rasmussen of Brigham City, UT. Stepchildren Tavia (Dave) Price of Spencer, ID, and twenty six grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Siblings Buzz (Jani) Rasmussen of Victor, ID, Jim (Pat) Rasmussen of Rapid City SD, Dennis (Trina) Smith of Rigby, ID, Phillip (Saralee) Rasmussen of Pocatello, ID, Richard (Betty) Rasmussen of Basalt, ID, Susan Sharp of Rexburg, ID, Jean (Vern) Jones of Rigby, ID, Joe (Tracy) Rasmussen of Rexburg, ID, Patty (Keith) Cutler of Newdale, ID, Kenny (Cindy) Rasmussen of Rexburg, ID.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Hal and LeIsle, his brother David, sister Linda Smith, brother-in-law Richard Sharp, son Trent, stepson Trent Thompson and step grandson Sawyer.

Doug spent a lifetime of service in the gospel and served in many capacities. He loved the Savior and tried to exemplify that love in all he did. He especially loved his children and grandchildren. They were the joy and happiness of his life.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Henry’s Fork Stake Center, a viewing will be held prior to service from 9:30 a.m. till 10:45 a.m.