Alan Claire Rasmusson
July 28, 1922 – July 5, 2020
Alan Claire Rasmusson,
97, died on July 5, 2020 at
his home in Longview,
Washington. Alan was
born on July 28, 1922 in
Towner, North Dakota.
He was raised by his
mother Mabel. He gra-
duated from high school
in 1941. Alan worked at a
newspaper all his life,
starting in the 8th grade
sweeping floors and then
printing the Mouse River
Farmers Press in Towner
and the Pierce County Tri-
bune in Rugby, North
Dakota.
Alan went to college at
NDSU until World War II,
at which time he enlisted
in the United States Navy.
He served from July 1,
1943 until March 17,
1946. He was aboard the
USS Garrard that tran-
sported 1100 prisoners of
war who had survived the
Bataan Death March. His
ship was docked next to
the USS Missouri when
the treaty was signed that
ended World War II.
Alan married Alyce
Thorson in 1947 and they
had three children, Ann,
Kevin (Karen) and Reid.
He has three grandchil-
den, Steven, Dana, and
Jenna, and he has six
great grandchildren.
How he loved them and
all little kids! Whichever
neighborhood he lived in
the children would come
and play with him. Even
most recently in his 90’s
they would knock on the
door and say “can Mr.
Alan come out and play
- “.
In 2003 he and Alyce
left Rugby and moved to
Longview, Washington to
be near family as they
aged. They became
members of Trinity Luth-
eran Church. Alan had
many friends both there
and at Zion Lutheran in
Towner and at Bethany
Lutheran Church in Rug-
by.
Both he and Alyce
volunteered at hospice as
well as tutoring elemen-
tary students in the Re-
tired Senior Program.
Alan was an avid
sportsman and hunter and
took home many a
pheasant back in the day
when they were more
plentiful. He took both
sons hunting grouse and
ducks. He very much en-
joyed golfing with his
nephew, Randy. He was
also an excellent basket-
ball player and played
many a game with the
neighborhood children.
He loved the Portland
Trailbrazers.
Alan was preceded in
death by his mother, Ma-
bel and his brother Loren.
He is still survived by
his wife, Alyce, who was
the love of his life in addi-
tion to their three chil-
dren.
To quote his niece and
nephew: “He was one of
the good guys”.
A memorial service will
be held at a later date in
Longview, Washington.
Niewoehner Funeral
Home – Rugby
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