Vernon Rasmussen 01/10/2026

Vernon LeRoy Rasmussen “Bud” was born April 16, 1934 in Cady Township, St. Croix Country in a small farmhouse to Marvin ElRoy and Augusta Louise Rasmussen (née Feldhahn). He was raised in Cady Township and moved to River Falls, a community that remained an anchor in his life. He later attended University of Wisconsin-River Falls and studied engineering. He joined the Air Force in 1952 and was stationed at Travis Air Force Base, California where he flew missions over the Pacific Ocean and Asia gaining the title of youngest Captain. He later flew Boeing Stratofreighter C-97s in the Korean War. In 1958, he married Carolyn Ann Cox of Sacramento, California daughter of Lawrence and Elizabeth (Brown) Cox and raised seven children in River Falls, Wisconsin. He became a corporate pilot and flew Fairchild and Gulfstream jets for 3M and also flights for 35 years. Vern was an inspiring father and man of diverse interests. He developed land north of River Falls and maintained some of these properties with his John Deere and Ford tractors. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, skiing, fishing and cultivated a small hobby horse farm. He fostered his children’s sense of commerce with a sweet corn business and they sold the produce to local families and grocers. Vern also loved community and would host neighbors, relatives and friends on Saturday mornings with his homemade buckwheat waffles. Later, his marriage with Carolyn was dissolved and he went on to marry Helen Pechacek in 2000. They enjoyed global travels, card playing and beautiful views of the Kinnikinnic from their home. 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 by all.

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.