Robert (Joey) Rasmussen

Robert J. “Joey” Rasmussen, 60, Detroit Lakes, died Friday, January 4, 2019 at his home.  Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday, January 11 at David-Donehower Funeral Home with Military Rites provided by the Lake Region Veterans Honor Guard.

Friends may call 5:00 – 7:00 PM with a prayer service at 6:30 PM Thursday at David-Donehower Funeral Home.  The visitation will continue 1 hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.

Robert Joseph Rasmussen, known as “Joey”, was born January 31, 1958 in Detroit Lakes, MN to Robert L. and Mary Anne (Bartelson) Rasmussen.  He attended Detroit Lakes Public Schools and served with the U. S. Army 1975 – 1981.  While in the army, he was stationed in various places including a tour of duty in Panama and Alaska.  Following his discharge, he completed the Diesel Mechanics Program at NTC in Detroit Lakes.  He worked for Swift and Company in Frazee and Detroit Lakes; Crystal Sugar in Moorhead; worked with his Dad on a Farm in Vergas and for Collin’s Bait.  Joey furthered his education at Northland Community and Technical College in Grand Forks to fulfill his lifelong dream of driving truck.  After completing this course, he worked for S T S Trucking in Detroit Lakes, Heisler Trucking in Vergas, and for Earl Buschette who leased to R & J Baker.  He loved this job as it allowed him to visit 48 of the 50 states.  He finished his career with Knife River Trucking before ill health forced his retirement.

Joey was an active member of St. Mary of the Lakes AA Group.  He was not only a member, he sponsored several people into the group.  He took his 15 years of sobriety very seriously.  He shared his experience and always had an open mind and heart to anyone suffering with addiction.

In 2011, he was re-united with the love of his life, Brenda. In 2012 their hearts became one and they made their home in rural Detroit Lakes.  Joey had a passion for hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include, Brenda of Detroit Lakes; a son, Craig (Katie Carlson) Schwoboda, of Detroit Lakes, a daughter, Malissa (David Jensen) Walch of Dilworth, MN, his Mother, Mary Anne (Milt) Aus of Kindred, ND, brothers; Jeff (Sue) Rasmussen of Barnesville, MN, Mike Rasmussen of Kindred, N.D., Milt (Andrea) Aus of Kalispell, MT, sisters; Mary (Jack) Bryngelson of Callaway, MN, Debra Schatzke of Leonard, ND, “special uncle”, Duane Bartelson of Wheaton, MN, 10 grandkids, two great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins, aunts; Donna (Roy) Ouart of West Fargo, ND and Betty (Kenneth) Wallace of Frazee, MN.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Rasmussen, a brother, Rick Rasmussen, a sister, Nichelle Aus ,his “special aunt”; Mae Bartelson and Aunt Marjorie Byrnes, uncles; Lawrence, Ernest and Duane, a great grandson; Kaiden Rose and a brother-in-law, Greg Schatzke.