Clark R. Rasmussen

Clark Ray Rasmussen passed away October 9, 2024 in Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4:00 t0 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 13, 2024 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1115 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral service will follow the next day at 11:00 a.m. also at St. Mark Lutheran Church. Burial will be held at a later date at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Clark Ray Rasmussen, born in Kimballton, Iowa, on July 11, 1934, to Hans Henning Rasmussen and Martha Jensen, was a man of many talents, stories, and more than a few laughs. He grew up alongside his four beloved sisters, Jeannette, Barbara, his twin Carol, and Laura Lee. Clark attended the Kimballton School District until eighth grade before moving on to Elkhorn-Kimballton High School (Class of '52). He then embarked on an academic journey at Grandview College, where he quickly learned that maybe studying wasn’t his strong suit—he’d often reminisce about how abysmal his grades were. But true to his tenacious spirit, Clark didn’t quit. After serving in the Army with the First Cavalry Division in Japan, from 1954 to 1956, he returned to Grandview, where fate introduced him to the love of his life, Joanne Disterhoft and they were married on September 2, 1956. With her steadying influence (and some much-needed tutoring), his grades improved, and Clark earned a B.S. degree from Drake University in 1958.

Clark’s career was a winding path, filled with unexpected opportunities, a few stumbles, and a lot of character. He began working for Travelers Insurance Company as a Claim Supervisor, then dipped his toes into politics in 1964, winning a seat in the Iowa Legislature. After two years, he succeeded his friend Lex Hawkins as State Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party where he served until 1971. Clark then became an administrator aide to U.S. Senator Harold Hughes until 1973 when he left to run for Governor. Clark famously campaigned by riding his John Deere bicycle around the State of Iowa. Unfortunately for the people, he was not successful. With five mouths to feed, the demand to find employment was urgent. He took his youngest son to Chicago to learn how to fix bikes, and fortuitously, opened what became a wildly successful business. Much to his favorite daughter’s chagrin, he named it Clark Rasmussen and Sons Bicycle Shop.

Clark served as secretary of the Senate during the First Session of the 66th General Assembly, (1975), and later became Clerk of Court where he served 11 years before being elected to one term on the Polk County Board of Supervisors in 1986.

A man of deep political conviction, Clark served as a delegate to several Democratic National Conventions. During the tumultuous 1968 convention in Chicago, he had the honor of nominating Governor Harold Hughes for President, while his mother watched proudly from her black-and-white TV back home in Kimballton. He enthusiastically supported candidates from Hubert Humphrey to Kamala Harris, with some victories along the way and, as he would put it, a few humbling defeats. Through it all, he remained a loyal Democrat and was strategizing and making political phone calls from his hospital bed the day before he died.

Clark loved a good debate, a well-tuned bicycle, and watching his grandkids, and great-grandkids' activities. He was a man who never let a good challenge go unanswered and always sought to improve the world around him.

As you can see, Clark had many accomplishments in his life, none he was prouder of than his family.

He is survived by his incredibly doting and devoted wife of 68 years, Joanne. They were blessed with five children, 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and number 14 on the way. In addition to Joanne, those left to cherish the memory of his life are his first son Greg, and wife Kristy, and their children, Misty, Michael, and Corey. Misty has four children, Nathan, Colby, Mason, and EvyLeigh. Michael and his wife Clare, have three children, Braeden, Dayton, and Teagan. Corey has three children, Ryder, Max, and Graham. His second son Daniel, and his wife Joanne. His third son John, and wife Paula, and their children Caleb (fiancé Kelsey), and Ruth Ann (fiancé Nick). His fourth son Matthew, and children Travis, Jordan, Michelle (fiancé Mitch), and Christopher. Travis and his wife Crystal, have two daughters, Makenna and Tatianna. Jordan and his wife Lindsay, have two sons, Owen and Zander. Christopher has one daughter, Artemis. His daughter Amy and husband Tim, and their children Kalyn, Eleanor, Scott, Sean, wife Maria, and Caroline. Scott, and his wife Karlee have one son James and one daughter Rosemary.

His family feels incredibly blessed that he was able to cross off a cherished bucket list item, spending a joyful long weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks in September with his beloved wife, children, sister, and many adored nieces and nephews. Their hearts overflow with gratitude for those special memories.

Clark’s story is still being written in the hearts of his family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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