Ward Byron Rasmussen Jr.

1943 ~ 2018

Ward passed away peacefully at home on the evening of July 24, 2018, after valiantly battling cancer for two years. He was born on September 20, 1943 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He and his wife, Janis, of 30 years, were married and sealed in the Jordan River Temple on April 22, 1988—he, bringing five Rasmussen children—Ward III, Katie, Laurie, Shelly, and Mary and she, bringing six Bailey children—Rob, Jennifer, Ryan, Julie, Jill, and Rhett, and they, having two children together—Jamie and Rand.

He graduated from Olympus High School in 1962, served an LDS mission to the Franco-Belgium mission, was stationed in the Army in Germany during the Vietnam War, graduated from the University of Utah, attended broadcasting school, and for the past 16 years had worked as a meat cutter for several Smith stores in the Salt Lake City area.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ward and Lucille Holbrook Rasmussen, and his daughter, Laurie. He is survived by his wife, 12 children and spouses, 28 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, his sisters Martha Harding, Holly Rueckert, and Joan Startin, along with many other family members.

He will be remembered for his distinguished voice, his delicious steaks and chili, and his kind and caring ways. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

There will be a viewing Sunday evening, July 29, at Larkin Mortuary, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. at the church preceding his funeral. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel located at 2173 E. Pepperwood Dr., Sandy, Utah. Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens, Sandy, UT.