Lawnie D. Rasmussen, age 74, of Syracuse, Utah, passed away peacefully on September 24th, 2025, after a valiant battle against dementia.

He was born on June 8, 1951 in Logan, Utah to Marilyn and DeMar Rasmussen. From an early age, Lawnie showed a deep sense of duty and commitment that carried through every stage of his life.

Lawnie proudly served in the United States Army, where he dedicated more than 20 years of service to his country. He retired at the rank of E8, as a Master Sergeant in 1990. Having served both in the Regular Army and the active duty Army National Guard. His military career included roles in helicopter maintenance, JAG administration, and recruiting where he spent most of his career and eventually led the largest recruiting battalion in the state of Utah. Guiding and mentoring countless soldiers, he was deeply respected by his peers and remembered for his leadership, discipline, and unwavering dedication to the mission.

After military retirement, Lawnie took his well honed skills of persuasion to the open market in various sales roles. He spent more than 10 years working in appliance sales at RCWilley where he excelled as a Pace Setter, until he relocated to Star Valley Wyoming. There he obtained his real estate license and was able to take in the local landscape and enjoy a slower pace of life for a while. Eventually, he was presented with a new call to serve and returned to Utah where he devoted his remaining working years as a Veteran Outreach Coordinator. In this role, he assisted Veterans in expanding their skills and education for better job marketability.

Beyond his professional life, his greatest devotion was always to his family, whom he cherished with steadfast love. Alongside that devotion, he found joy in sports, the outdoors, and hands-on projects at home. In his younger years, though small in stature, he was a quick and determined competitor. Baseball games at the Rasmussen Family Reunions in Mink Creek, Idaho, were taken very seriously and often highlighted his spirited play.

As he grew older, he embraced every opportunity to stay active, whether on the basketball court, the softball field, the tennis court, or especially the golf course. To say he was a fan of golf would be an understatement.

He also carried a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and became an avid collector of Western wildlife art. With a sparkle in his eyes, he loved sharing the stories and details behind his many paintings and pieces that adorned his home. He was equally proud of his extensive collections of duck decoys and coins, each reflecting his curiosity and care.

Above all, he will be remembered for his enthusiasm, his passion, and his natural gift for leadership—qualities that inspired and captivated those around him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sun Rasmussen, his daughter Wynne (Dan) Toms, son Wade (Brandis O’Toole) Rasmussen, his loyal sidekick Buddy (miniature schnauzer) and many adorable grand dogs. His siblings, Tammy (Frank) McDonough, Jolene (Steven) Andersen, Julee (Phil) Houser and Kiplin Rasmussen, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Drew Rasmussen, father DeMar Rasmussen and mother Marilyn McCurdy Rasmussen.

A funeral service with full military honors will be held on October 11, 2025 at Russon Mortuary, located at 1585 W. 300 S. Syracuse, Utah. Family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate his life. Viewing is from 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm, family prayer from 1:45 pm to 2 pm with services starting at 2 pm. In accordance with his wishes, Lawnie will be cremated following the service and eventually laid to rest at the Syracuse Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home and Bristol Hospice for their compassionate care during his remaining months. Lawnie was loved and adored by the home staff and was aptly known as ‘the Supervisor.’ True to form, he asserted his innate authority, as only he knew how to do. The many compliments and stories shared by the staff are cherished and well appreciated.

Along this journey, the family has recognized a gap in access to federally approved plant-based therapies for Veterans. Wynne has committed to join the effort for federal policy changes that would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to expand compassionate treatment options, particularly for psychiatric and neurological conditions.

Emerging research and family experiences have shown that cannabis-based therapies may offer relief from symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, sleep disruption, and appetite loss in dementia patients, improving both quality of life and dignity in care. Similar benefits have been documented in treating post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, and other conditions disproportionately affecting Veterans.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to organizations working to advance access and research: the Veterans Alliance For Holistic Alternatives (vahahealth.com), Veterans Cannabis Project (vetscp.org) or to one of these Utah based Veteran support groups Utah Veteran’s Alliance (4rutvets.org), Warrior Revival (warrior-revival.org).  

Lawnie leaves behind a legacy of honor, service, and love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.