Garry Rasmussen, age 73, formerly of Hot Springs, SD, passed away on October 1, 2014, in Yuma, AZ, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Garry was born on January 2, 1941, in Oral, SD. He was the youngest of sixteen children born to Fred and Bethel (Wilder) Rasmussen. After graduating high school he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Meade, MD. It was here that he met the love of his life, Dorothy Leydig. They were married shortly after his discharge from the service, in Hot Springs, SD, on December 24, 1962. To this union two children were born Susan and Garry, Jr.

He worked for Homestake Mining in Lead, SD, Boeing Aircraft in Everett, WA, several mechanic jobs in Pennsylvania, and finally BNSF Railway in Alliance, NE. After retiring in 2003, he found his love for traveling and dealing antiques, always looking for the next big deal. It was through these travels that he decided to become a snowbird living the cold winters in Yuma, AZ, and summers in the Black Hills. It was during this time he met his friend, Alice Bennett, who spent the last days with him.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan (Jim) Nollette; son, Garry (Kelly) Rasmussen; seven grandchildren, Tiffany; AJ; Blaine; Kory; Trevor; Jason; Conni; six great grandchildren all of Alliance, NE; three brothers, Frank of Hot Springs, SD; David of Worland, WY; Johnny of Fortuna, CA; and one sister, Mary Flyte, Hot Springs, SD.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Dottie; parents, five brothers, six sisters, his nephew, and best friend, Ray Merwin.

A committal service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 18, 2014, at the Fairview Cemetery near Oral, SD.

Memorials can be given to Hospice Compassus in Yuma, AZ, the American Cancer Society or to the donor's choice.