OBITUARY

Charles Elston Rasmussen

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On July 23, 2022, Charles Elston Rasmussen, was called upon by his Lord and Savior at the age of 96 in Gonzales, Texas. Charles was born on September 27, 1925 to Charles Hans, and Etolia Shumate Rasmussen in Valley Wells, Texas. He is a 1942 graduate of Big Wells High School, and after working on the family farm in Valley Wells throughout his youth, he attended Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater, Oklahoma.  He married his wife and self-described ‘perfect match’ Delorese Rauch, on April 1, 1955 in Springfield, Missouri.  Rasmussen began working with the Agricultural Stabilization & Conservation Service of the USDA in 1955 in Beeville, TX and began working in Gonzales a year later in 1956 where he served Gonzales County for 35 years before retiring in 1991.

Throughout the years, Charles enjoyed a number of hobbies and interests including traveling, gardening, dinner parties with great friends, spending time with his family, and in the fellowship of the churches he has attended.  He was also known for telling a good story – if you were at the table with Chas, you were probably going to leave with a smile, a tidbit of wisdom, or both.

The unconditional love of his family and joy of their company truly showed through his actions in most aspects of everyday life and created many lasting memories of great family parties for birthdays, and holidays – especially Christmas. Above all, his devotion to his family and God guided his life. We remember Charles sharing the story of the origin of his faith in one of the many memoirs he had written in his life: “When I was about 12 years old in the back room of the house in Big Wells, I gave my life to the Lord.  I came under conviction and with my mother I met the Lord. I went to church that night and before service the pastor came out to the car where we sat in the back seat and talked and prayed before we went in.” From this point on, Charles led his life in the eyes of the Lord, entrusting him with guidance through all of life’s trials and tribulations. He devoted his life to service in the Lord and was a true disciple of the gospel.

Charles is survived by his two children, daughter Robin Lynnette Rasmussen of Seguin, son and daughter-in-law, Chris Allen and Karen Rebecca Rasmussen of Gonzales, grandchildren, Kyle Rasmussen of Round Rock, Eric Allen Rasmussen and wife Jenna of Buda, great-grandchildren, Bennett Allen Rasmussen, and Allie Kaye Rasmussen of Buda. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delorese Rasmussen, a sister, Vera Rasmussen and his parents.

The family will receive friends from 10 am to 11 am Tuesday, July 26, 2022 in the First Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 11 am in the church with Rev. Hollas Hoffman and Rev. Steve Faulkner officiating. The family will hold a graveside interment service at 11 am Friday, July 29, 2022 in Big Wells Cemetery. Pallbearers: Kyle and eric Rasmussen, Blake Mikesh, Adam Staton, Russ Dreyer, Josh Daniel, and Roy Staton. Honorary Pallbearers: Joe Kelley, Buddy Lester, Paul Coffin, Lynn Cochran, Jim DeCola, Dr. Terry Eska, Bill Quinney, Sam Turk, Bob Young and Sonny Weathers. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Gonzales or to the charity of one’s choice. Fiends may leave their condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.

*Family would like to thank Dr. Terry Eska, the staff of Texan Nursing & Rehab, & Kelsey Smith and the staff of Care Team Hospice, and Henry Padgett.

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