Stanley Rasmussen

MISSOULA ~ Stanley Rasmussen, 91, of Missoula, passed away on Wednesday March 5, 2025 at St. Patrick Hospital. Stan was born on June 8, 1933, in Alberton, to Mary Webster Rasmussen and Robert Rasmussen. He joined older brothers George and John, and sister Joyce. In 1935, the family moved to Missoula where Stan’s younger brothers David, Emil and Roger were born. The family was very active in the First Baptist Church on Pine Street.

Stan was a true son of Missoula, growing up on the West Side and attending Lowell Grade School. He delivered newspapers in the Downtown and Lower Rattlesnake neighborhoods and he fondly recalled the newsboy’s special at the Oxford Café. After one year of high school, Stan went to work for the Forest Service in Idaho. In January 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 16, by altering his birth certificate with a pencil. He had basic training in Biloxi, Mississippi, and served as a radar operator in Nome, Alaska. He was discharged from Hamilton Air Force Base in California on December 16, 1953. Stan had life-long friends from his school days and from his time in the Air Force.

Stan worked for the Milwaukee Railroad in Central Montana, then began working as a glazier at Missoula Glass Works. He eventually bought the business and worked there until he retired in 1996. Stan met Mary Jo Reynolds in 1957 and they were married in 1958 at St. Anthony Church, where they later celebrated their 50-year wedding anniversary as well. The family lived in Missoula for the first few years of their marriage, and moved out to the old Thorton Lumber farmhouse at the Wye in 1963. Stan and Mary Jo had five children and provided them with an idyllic childhood. Stan had many hobbies which he shared with his family including horses, motorcycles, camping, fishing, and boats. He was an expert marksman as member of the Hellgate Gun Club. Stan and Mary Jo became friends with many families through St. John the Baptist Church in Frenchtown.

Stan is survived by his wife, Mary Jo; brothers David (Carol), Emil (Geri), and Roger (Judy) and many nieces and nephews. His is fondly remembered by his children Julie Rasmussen, Bobbi Rasmussen, Diane (Todd) Lorenzen, Joe (Ellie) Rasmussen, and Andrea Rasmussen; his grandchildren Courtney (Mike), Joellie (Tyler), Norbert (Seguin), August (Nikita), and Frances (Nathan); and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers George (Millie) and John (Marge), and sister Joyce (Richard) Reeves.

A memorial service will be held for Stan at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 18, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home on Mullan Road. Luncheon will follow.

Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.