Karl Lester Rasmussen

Karl Lester Rasmussen, born December 19, 1944, passed away on September 11, 2026, in Wichita, KS, under the care of Hospice. He was preceded in death by his father, Lester Rasmussen; his mother, Esther Rasmussen; and his sister, Ila Waldron. He is survived by his wife, Delores Rasmussen; daughters, Joni (Alex) Young, Julie (Todd) Olmstead, and Karen (Jeremy) Kendrick; grandchildren, Tanner (Alexandria) Olmstead, Karlee Olmstead, Kristina Young, Emma Kendrick, and Kinley Kendrick.

Karl was raised on the family farm near Gray, Iowa. He attended Gray Country School and Audubon High School, graduating in 1964. He went to trade school and worked as a mechanic in Omaha, NE. This is where he met Delores. They married a year later at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on July 19, 1969, in Earling, Iowa. They were blessed with three children: Joni (1970), Julie (1972), and Karen (1976).

Karl worked 40 years in distribution for Western Electric, AT&T, and Lucent Technologies. Through buyouts and mergers, Karl and his family moved through the Midwest and East Coast, eventually returning to Cheney, KS, in 2001. He worked in the grocery business until fully retiring in 2014.

Karl and Delores were active members of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Mt. Vernon, KS. He volunteered as an usher and helped with various events over the years.

Karl enjoyed tending his garden, running several loops through and around Cheney, and attending many activities with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed the friendships he formed, his weekly lunches after Sunday services, and the trips to Iowa to visit family.

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