Vernon Rasmussen 01/10/2026

Vernon LeRoy “Bud” Rasmussen was born April 16, 1934, in a small farmhouse in Cady Township, St. Croix County, to Marvin ElRoy and Augusta Louise Rasmussen (née Feldhahn). Raised in Cady Township, he later moved to River Falls, a community that remained close to his heart and anchor in his life. He attended the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, studying engineering, before joining the Air Force in 1952. Stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California, he flew missions over the Pacific and Asia, becoming the youngest Captain, and later piloted Boeing Stratofreighter C-97s during the Korean War. In 1958, he married Carolyn Ann Cox of Sacramento, California, daughter of Lawrence and Elizabeth (Brown) Cox and together they raised seven children on the Kinnikinnic River, north of River Falls. He worked as a corporate pilot, flying Fairchild and Gulfstream jets for 3M, and spent 35 years handling both international and domestic flights. A man of many interests, he developed land north of River Falls, tended his properties with John Deere and Ford tractors, and enjoyed gardening, hunting, skiing, fishing, and running a small hobby horse farm. He encouraged his children’s entrepreneurial spirit through a sweet corn business, selling to local families and grocers. Known for his hospitality, he often welcomed neighbors, friends, and family for Saturday morning buckwheat waffles. After his marriage to Carolyn dissolved, he married Helen Pechacek in 2000, sharing global travels, card games, and scenic views of the Kinnikinnic River.

Vern was a kind and humble man and loved to engage in stories about his adventurous life. As a man of true faith, his devotion to the word of Christ guided his day-to-day life. He will be deeply missed.

He is preceded by parents Louise and Marvin Rasmussen, sisters Colleen Johnson (Rasmussen) and Arlis Rasmussen; sister-in-law Karen Rasmussen and grandchild Mathew Ryan Rasmussen.

Vern is survived by his wife Helen Rasmussen and siblings James Alan Rasmussen and Mavis (Lynn) Jones. He is survived by first wife Carolyn Rasmussen (née Cox), children Nathan (Kathy) Rasmussen, Lorraine Rasmussen, Daniel Rasmussen, Melissa (Nicolas) Mellet, Leila Rasmussen, Julie Rasmussen and David (Camilla) Rasmussen. Grandchildren Aaron Rasmussen; Todd Rasmussen, Tanya Rasmussen (Robert Comstock), Tara (Brett) Yarbrough, Tyler (Megan) Rasmussen and Travis Rasmussen; Paul, Emeric and Alix Mellet; Mariam and Noora Rasmussen. Great-grandchildren Rylee, Ruby and R.J. Comstock, Callan and Gemma Rasmussen, Braden, Braxon and Elsie Yarbrough. Family of Helen Rasmussen, Jim (Maureen) Badzinski, Diane (Jon) Proctor, Jean Ann (Jeff) Nelessen, Patrick (Val) Badzinskin, 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Vern’s Life will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 11 am at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 805 E Division Street River Falls, WI.  Visitation will also be on Thursday from 10-11 am at the funeral home.  Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls, WI.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.