Lee Clair Rasmussen was born on December 5, 1939, in Murray, Utah, to Carol Erickson and Alfred Clair Dee Rasmussen. He died peacefully at his home in Sandy, Utah, on February 5, 2024, after contending with pulmonary hypertension for many years. His wife and two of his children were with him as he passed from this earthly life.
He was raised in Murray, Utah, where he attended Arlington Elementary School and Murray Junior and Senior High Schools. He played the saxophone in the marching band and played every sport there was to play. He graduated from Utah State University with a master’s degree in physical education.
Lee often joked that he had a hard time holding down a job very long as he had several careers. The first was teaching high school and coaching football. He then worked for the FBI as a special agent and was assigned to offices in San Diego, California; Dallas, Texas; Denton, Texas; Los Angeles, California; and back to Salt Lake City. While working for the FBI in Los Angeles, he attended Southwestern Law School obtaining his law degree. He retired From the FBI after 24 years of service and then opened his own law practice in Salt Lake City.
He was a very self-motivated person. He was always learning new things and taking up new hobbies from auto mechanics to wood turning to fly fishing, but his favorite pastime in his retired years was fishing with all his buddies. For 25 years he coached Little League football, having a positive influence on many young men.
Lee was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings, but his favorite was working with the youth. He worked in the Draper, Utah, Temple for ten years and often remarked that it was a wonderful experience.
He married his high school sweetheart, Marlene Black, on September 7, 1961, in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with four beautiful children.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, his children LeeAnn (Farrell) Yeaman, Suzanne (Dennis) Buccola, Brad Lee (Alicia) Rasmussen, Kaydee Rasmussen, and 15 grandchildren. Stepsister, Marian (Gary) Jones, stepbrother, Roger (Sandy) Anderson; sisters-in-law, Phyllis (David) Sperry, Janet (Walt) Brooks; brothers-in-law, Brent Horton and Jerry (Debbie) Black.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Clair and Carol Rasmussen; In-laws, Orin and Vanice Black; stepmother, Dorothy Anderson Rasmussen; stepsister, Patricia Joos; sisters-in-law, Sally Black and Mareid Horton; brothers-in-law, O. Brent Black and Randy Black; and granddaughter, Makayla Yeaman.
The funeral service will be held Saturday February 10, 2024, at 12:00 pm at the Sandy Crescent View Stake located at 10945 S 1700 E, Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held at the same location on Friday February 9, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm and from 11:00-11:45 am on Saturday.
Those wishing to view the service via Zoom can click " Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81837175160
My sad condolences on the loss of this great man. He served his Church as a Bishop, when I knew him... and served his country as an agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. His door, and his ear, and his heart was always open. He was a great listener, and the giver of well thought out advice. My heart goes out to the Rasmussen family at this time. They've lost a Father, Grandfather, and husband. I, along with the rest of the members of the Denton 2nd Ward for whom Lee served as a Bishop, remember him with great fondness, and respect. May he dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one.
you are special!
Your family are in my prayers!!!
Marlene and Family,
Lee will be greatly missed in our neighborhood and in so many lives. He was a tremendous influence for our son in Little League Football, and to many other youths throughout his life both in sports and in church.
Prayers to all of you, for he was a very special and talented man. As you go on without his present, know he will always be with you in spirit. We are here if ever you need anything.
Oh my sweet Marlene! I was definitely taken aback when I heard that your sweet husband Lee passed away. I hope and pray for your peace and comfort and that you and your children will feel my love! You're awesome!
For many years Lee dedicated countless volunteer hours to the benefit of Utah anglers and our fisheries. Serving on the Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Council, Lee played an important role in helping to shape and improve sportfishing opportunities across the state. Lee's connections with DWR and the fishing community at large made him invaluable as the club's Speaking Engagement Coordinator. As a result of the pandemic, club membership reached a critical low and was almost disbanded. Lee helped us draw in new members by lining up amazing speakers for our club meetings from across Utah. He was a good fisherman, a good fishing buddy and a friend to every angler that ever dipped a hook it Utah waters. He will be missed.
My deepest sympathy for you, Marlene, and your family. Lee was a good friend, classmate and teammate of mine at MHS. I knew you both well in those days but, as you know, we have only had brief contact through the years. What I have learned and felt from reading about him and watching the video makes me even more impressed with Lee and you and the family you have established. I pray for your comfort as you grieve your separation.
Our Condolanc too the Rasmussen Family
Leeann.to you and your lovrd ones. My condolances.on the loss of your father . To you marlene my hearfect condolances with your husband. I knew lee a long time ago when we were all in school ( murray high school) i was about 2 grades ahead of you and lee. I was in with. Marea 1957 best wish's to all your fsmily And loved onrs
Leeann.to you and your lovrd ones. My condolances.on the loss of your father . To you marlene my hearfect condolances with your husband. I knew lee a long time ago when we were all in school ( murray high school) i was about 2 grades ahead of you and lee. I was in with. Marea 1957 best wish's to all your fsmily And loved onrs. Gail lee anderson Erichsen. Manti itah 84642
Marlene,
We are saddened to hear of your loss.
We have many fond memories of the wonderful times growing up with you and Lee in the Murray area.
It has been great to share class reunions and family gatherings with you over the years.
We are so sorry about Lee love you if you need anything please let us know Vaughn and mike
Marlene, Katy and all your family. We were so sorry and sad to hear about Lee’s passing. He was a wonderful man, and very loved. John and I thought of the many memories that we had of him, and know that he will be very missed. Our love and prayers and condolences go out to all of you.
Love, Marie and John Fowler
I knew Lee through Rocky Mountain Anglers, served with him on the Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Council, and we fished together a time or two. He acquired a wealth of unique knowledge and experience in his life, and I really appreciated our conversations. He was always willing to take on a task, offer a hand, share an idea, lend encouragement or call bulls--t where it was needed. Utah's angling community is far, far better off because Lee chose to get involved. Those of us who knew him appreciate how generously he contributed over the years.
My condolences to the family. I know this loss leaves a huge hole in your hearts.
I am sorry I missed the announcement of Lee’s passing until today. It was my privilege to also serve in Los Angeles with Lee and to witness his excellence as both an FBI agent and as a person. I also enjoyed our monthly encounters at the X-agents meetings here in Salt Lake City. Please accept my deepest condolences on your temporary loss, for I have a strong belief that you two will be together again.
Dear Marlene,
I'm so sorry to hear about Lee's passing. The video of his life is wonderful. There is so much love in those photos and great memories for you and the whole family. I was especially impressed with how many pictures there were of him with your grandchildren. He accomplished so very much in his life, which is a good example to all of us to keep changing and adapting and learning. Love and hugs to you and your family.
Dear Marlene, I am so sorry to learn of Lee,s death. I am also sorry I was unable to attend either service, I am still dealing with a number of issues and challenges regarding Carl’s death. I know there tough times ahead for all of you. Sending love and prayers to you and your family! Warm regards and much love, Anne Erickson