Shannon Rasmussen

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Obituary

Shannon Thomas Rasmussen, age 72, of Kimball, SD was called home to the Lord on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Sanford Chamberlain Medical Center in Chamberlain, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM Friday, April 25, at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball. Burial will be at St. Margaret’s Catholic Cemetery in Kimball. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7:00 PM at the Church with a 7:00 PM prayer service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Shannon was born on December 6th, 1952, in Chamberlain, SD to Raymond and Clara (Draphal) Rasmussen. He was the youngest of four boys. (You can imagine the amount of mischief that was had between four brothers.) Growing up on the family farm north of Kimball, SD, Shannon knew what hard work was from a young age – milking dairy cows multiple times a day and feeding and tending to them. He attended grade school in Pukwana, SD and graduated from Kimball High School in 1972.

God definitely had Shannon in the right place at the right time when he met and dated Bonnie Bely, the ultimate love and light of his life, for 2 ½ years in high school before they were wed in December 1972. Side by side and inseparable, these two joined as one, worked hard and built a home and life for themselves and their family. To this strong union, three wonderful daughters were born and raised in Kimball – Angelia, Shelly, and Shandra. Shannon was happy to be outnumbered and was the best girl dad.

After high school he worked at Cahill’s Gas Station for awhile before moving into what would be his lifelong career at the Brule County Highway Department for 45 years. Through those years, he rose to eventually become the Highway Superintendent in 2003 and retired from this position in 2018. He also worked part time at Midway Truck Stop, John’s Tire Center, and cleaning offices at Midstate Communications. With not a lazy bone in his body, Shannon also drove bus for the Kimball School District from 2018 to present. He drove truck for Bosworth Farms and Dan Overweg, took care of their rental properties and serviced many yards with the Rasmussen Yard Service and at one time had 30 yards to take care of.  He did all this while after retirement.

With a big heart for helping others, Shannon was a part of the Kimball Fire Department for 43 years, was voted as Fireman of the Year in 1982 and had the privilege of serving as Fire Chief from 1983-1987. He was also an EMT for the Kimball Ambulance Department for 40 years. He was a member of the Fr. O’Gorman Knights of Columbus through his church for 43 years and was once recognized for his love and service by receiving the Knight of The Year award. He helped to spearhead the creation of the T-Ball program in Kimball. Shannon also served on the Kimball School Board for 6 years. For all of this and more, he was honored to receive an award for Conscientious Dedicated Community Service from Modern Woodmen of America. Shannon considered himself lucky to be able to give back to the community and the people he loved.

Even with all this hard work and giving back, Shannon still had spare time to enjoy fishing, camping, and bird watching right in his own yard with the many bird feeders. Most importantly and above all else, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family. His wife, children, and grandchildren were his ultimate prize in life.

Shannon is survived by his wife Bonnie of 52 years; daughters, Angelia (Jamie) Bosworth of White Lake, Shelly (Cale) Westendorf of Plankinton, and Shandra (Derek) Koch of Plankinton; brothers, Mike Rasmussen of Kimball and Dennis (Darla) Rasmussen of Mitchell; and sisters-in-law, Julie Rasmussen of Ponca City, NE, Crystal Bely of Pukwana, Deb Bely of Madison, WI, LeAnn (Jeff) Birkeland of Murdo, and Vickie Hines of Huron. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Brandon (friend Madison) Bosworth, Mason (friend Summer) Bosworth, Taylor (Dane) Rihanek, Jordan (friend Kolby) Westendorf, and Aubrey, Bennett, and Chelsey Koch. Shannon was especially excited for and will now be looking down on his first great-grandbaby boy due in July to granddaughter Taylor and Dane. Shannon will forever be #1 in each of their hearts. As well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Raymond Rasmussen, Clara Rasmussen-Clark, stepfather Don Clark; brother Russell Rasmussen; grandchild, Cayla Westendorf; parents-in-law, LeRoy and Wilma Bely; brothers-in-law, Burl Bely, Terry Bely, and Larry Hines; sisters-in-law, Kathy Rasmussen and Rosemary Rasmussen; and nephew, Dalton Bely.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Angel Fund at Kimball School District. The Rasmussen family would like to thank family, friends, and the community for their compassion and support.

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