J. Ralyn Rasmussen

Ralyn went home to be with the Lord April 12, 2006. Survived by daughters Kari (Joseph) Rasmussen-Vukovich, Tara (Russ) Edwards, Lori (Mitch) Wilson, Lona (Steve) Thomason; mother Anne L. Rasmussen; brothers Marlyn (Kathleen), Rowlyn (Lynn), Don (Cheryl), Paul (Pam); grandchildren Jacob Wilson, Brittany Wilson, Brooke Wilson, Jesse Wilson, Drew Edwards, Jordan Edwards, Brennyn Edwards, Jamin Thomason, Michal Thomason, Ethan Thomason, Leah Thomason. Step-grandchildren: Matthew Vukovich, Jonathan Vukovich, Tessie Vukovich. Eulogy/obituary for Ralyn Rasmussen Joe Ralyn Rasmussen was the third son born to Alvin and Ann Rasmussen ten minutes after his brother Rowlyn in Greensboro, North Carolina, where his father was training to be a minister. At the age of six, Ralyn, Rowlyn and his older brother Marlyn began traveling with their father bringing their unique style of music, instruments, and the gospel of Christ to towns and cities across the U.S. In 1954 Alvin and Ann heard God call them to serve in other nations, and took the youngest four of their now five boys to Brazil. Ralyn always spoke fondly of those years in Brazil as the greatest adventure and best time of his life. In 1959 the family returned to the U.S. where Ralyn finished high school so he could attend Bible college to train for ministry. While there he met Doris Griffis and in June 1961, they were married. Over the next five years, God blessed them with four daughters. Ralyn continued schooling in Nebraska while working full-time to support his family. In 1976 he graduated with a teaching degree. He then moved his family back to Denver, working as a general contractor for many years. For the past five years, he has been a construction manager at Summit P.D.S. It was while away from home, as his job often required, that God decided it was time for him to really come home. Those are the dry facts. Ralyn's heavenly journey began when he was young while the family was in Silver Lake, Indiana where he made his decision to receive Jesus Christ his personal Savior. His walk with God was a part of his life from that point on, but in these last years became the most important part of his life. During that walk, there were a lot of rocks in the path, thickets to be cut through, and backtracking to find his way to the right trail, and even through these obstacles, he made great progress toward the destination God planned for him. These past five years with his work schedule, he had time to study God's word, pour over it, and be transformed by it. He was able to pray to the Heavenly Father he now knew as his friend. His heart's great desire was to be the man God had always intended him to be, and to see his children and grandchildren walking along this path with him, their hearts burning with a love for God and the people He brings into their lives. Ralyn was a gifted teacher, instructing in a way that was not harsh and condemning. He exuded a passion for knowledge and skill which he loved to pass on to others, making difficult concepts understandable. He had a very kind and gentle spirit. His diligence and meticulous attention to detail was founded on the conviction that he was 'doing it unto the Lord.' He was modest about his work'""always finding something he could have done better. He loved to cook (and eat), but cooking, building, or fixing things for others was his way of showing his love for them. Family and friends were important to him; he enjoyed finding old acquaintances and especially family members during his work travels because 'family is important.' He said that so many times'""'family is important.' He cultivated a love and compassion for people'""those he had known in his past, and those he met casually throughout his travels. He treated people as people--made in the image of God--regardless of social status or circumstance. For those of you who are visiting this site to honor his memory and his life, you, too were part of his family. He cared about each of you. He was a special man, he lived a special life, and he left a special legacy. He was a loving father to his daughters and sons-in-law, and tender Papa to his grandchildren. Though we will miss him greatly, we grieve with hope, knowing that those who sleep in Jesus will always be with the Lord. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who sleep in Jesus'Therefore comfort one another with these words 1Thessalonians 4:14, 18 Donations may be made in memory of J. Ralyn Rasmussen to New Tribes Mission 1000 East First Avenue Sanford, Florida 32771 Or Missionary Compassion Ministries P.O. Box 26237 Fayetteville, NC 28314 Attn: Don Rasmussen