Carl Rasmussen, age 93, of Fertile, MN, died Monday, January 1, 2012 in Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile, MN.

Carl Robert Rasmussen was born February 27, 1918, the son of Nels and Marie (Paulson) Rasmussen in Austin, MN. He attended country school in the area and as a young man, worked for area farmers. Carl entered the United States Army during WW II where he served in the Asiatic Theater and was awarded the Purple Heart. After his honorable discharge, Carl returned to Fertile. For the next few years, Carl worked in the Fertile Brick Plant. On September 8, 1948, Carl was united in marriage to Verna Berhow. The couple made their home near Fertile where they raised seven children. Carl was employed by Standard Oil in Fertile where he drove the bulk fuel truck for most of his working career, retiring in 1981. After his retirement, Carl kept busy doing carpentry work in the Fertile area.

Carl found enjoyment in music and loved sharing his talent by playing his accordion. He also liked spending time with family and friends with a good game of cards. Carl was a member of the Varnes Lutheran church until it closed and was a member of the Fertile American Legion.

Carl is survived by daughters, Sonie Thompson of Moorhead, MN and Linda (Ron) Ragan of Des Moines, Iowa; sons, David Rasmussen of Molokai, Hawaii, Stanley (Jeanie) Rasmussen of Lake Park, MN, and Larry Williamson of Des Moines, Iowa; 19 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, two sons, two brothers, two sisters and three grandchildren.

A Memorial Service was held on Friday, January 6, 2012 at 2:00 PM in Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile. Officiating was Pastor Dan Watland with Dorothy Harstad serving as organist. Playing the trumpet was Rhonda Rasmussen. Military Honors were provided by the American Legion Post #238 in Fertile.

Inurnment was in Varnes Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile.