Jack Karl Rasmussen, with the greatest courage and endurance you could imagine, passed away at home on June 23, 2021, in Draper, Utah. Jack was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his death. Jack leaves behind his wife of 22 years, Judy Farish Rasmussen; his six children with wife of 37 years, Virginia Faye Scharffs Rasmussen (deceased): Elyse Orr (Greg), Kristin Carter (Brian), Suzanne Nelson (Trent), Karlyn Dodd (Travis), Jonathan Rasmussen (Janee) and David Rasmussen; fourteen grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Jack was born December 27, 1935, to John Doris Rasmussen and Enid Ellen Gustaveson Rasmussen in Holden, Utah. As a young boy, Jack and his family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where his father worked in construction. Jack worked alongside his father at a young age, which instilled in him strong values of hard work, relationships built on trust, and business ethics.
After graduating from Northwestern University Dental School, Jack built a successful dental practice. Recognized for his nimble hands, skilled workmanship and ability to make patients laugh at just the wrong time, Jack enjoyed a career that lasted more than forty years. He served for several years on the Utah Dental Board and was awarded Utah Dentist of the Year in 1994, the highest honor that the Utah Academy of General Dentistry can award to an individual.
A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Jack served a mission as a young man in the Northern States Mission. He often talked about that experience with great fondness. As an adult, Jack loved serving others on his inner-city mission assignment with his wife, Judy. He also faithfully served in many other church callings, including Bishop.
Jack loved to travel and lived a life of quiet service to others he encountered along the way. He cherished his family and friendships. Memory of Jack will live on forever in the hearts of those he touched.
Graveside services will be held Monday, June 28, 2021, at 3 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Visitation for family and friends will start one hour prior in the mortuary.
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Cindy Lou Poliska
A filling fell out of my #30 tooth and has been missing for such a long time. Dr. Rasmussen was a lot better dentist than that.
Jack and your entire family hold a special place in the Ryans' hearts. We had many, many fun times with you, especially at Lake Powell. We are sorry about this loss and are sending love and fondness to each of you.
Thank you for the kind words regarding our dad.
We too have many fun memories of our trips to Lake Powell & fun times with the Ryan's.
Regards
Susan and I Send our thoughts and prayers to the family at this time. Jack was a friend, partner, and mentor to me throughout my career. As a friend, he was always there with a kind word and an understanding heart. As a partner, his enthusiasm for dentistry was infectious. He was always the 'first one in the pool' with new ideas to improve the practice. As a mentor, I learned much about being a Doctor from him. He was one of the great influences in my life. I will miss him.
Grant & Susan,
Thank you for your kind words & memories of our dad. We also wanted to thank you for the beautiful flowers sent to the funeral home in honor of our dad.
Regards
Jan and I send our heart felt love and condolences to Judy and Jack’s family. I had the wonderful opportunity of being Jack’s dental partner for over 43 years. I learned a lot of important dental procedures from Dr. Jack and how to treat patients as #1. I can attest that Jack loved his family, his patients and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We often had thoughtful conversations about these important aspects of his life. Jack also had a great love for his wife Virginia. I love the picture of him above and will always remember his smile and love of life…..
Bob & Jan,
Thank you for your wonderful message & memories regarding our dad.
We are happy he is now reunited with our mother. You were always a great friend of his.
We wish you and your family the best.
I'm so sorry to learn of Dr. Rasmussen's passing. He was such a sweetheart! I was so grateful for his skills and his wonderful demeanor as my dentist for many years. He would always pat my cheek when he greeted me. Loved him.
Thank you for sharing your memories of our father.
Oh, how we dearly loved our Bishop Rasmussen and our very favorite dentist for many years. Yes, he always asked the silliest questions right when his delicate fingers were in your mouth!
Our first thoughts, when we saw this obituary, was that he was reunited with his beloved Virginia.
We express our love and condolences to you, Judy, and to his children, spouses and grandchildren.
Love and affection, Ki and Ethel Shield
Shield Family,
Thank you for the kind words regarding our father.
We too are glad our parents are now reunited with each other. Virginia had to wait a long time for him to return.
Farewell, Uncle Jack. You were so kind and caring to us all. I have a lifetime of happy memories visiting your home and will always remember with awe how beautifully you could whistle. Sending all my love to my best-est cousins in the world.
Thanks Jennifer, you are the best. We love hearing of the fun memories you had of our dad. Whistling is something he would do often, especially when things were tough, towards the end.
So sorry for your loss. Jack was a wonderful person and father. Kelli Orr Lundgren
Thanks Kelli.
My favorite dentist for over 50 years. No one like you. You are missed. Hope you and Dick can catch up. You always kidded him that he was older than you (March to December) I am sad for your family and send them my love.
Handsome forever, my favorito Jack.