Rev. Deacon Richard J. Rasmussen

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Rev. Deacon Richard “Rick” Rasmussen, 95, of Bettendorf, will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Bettendorf. Burial with military honors will be in National Cemetery, Rock Island. Visitation will begin with a rosary at 3:30 p.m. and continues from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Serra Club.

Deacon Rick passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Imboden Creek, Decatur, IL.

Richard John Rasmussen was born May 3, 1930, in Woodmere, Long Island, New York, to Anna Rasmussen Kerwin. He was united in marriage to Mary Jane Norkus on August 31, 1951, in Euphrata, WA. She preceded him in death on May 27, 2020.

Rick’s military career spanned two significant conflicts, as he was a veteran of the Korean and the Vietnam Wars. In recognition of his courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to his fellow servicemen, he was awarded two Bronze Stars, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart.

Following his distinguished military service, Rick continued his lifelong dedication to his country through a civilian career at the Rock Island Arsenal as a logistics maintenance manager. Retiring after 40 years of government service.

On June 4, 1988, Rick was ordained a Reverend Deacon in the Diocese of Davenport, answering a call to serve both his faith and his community. He was assigned to St. John Vianney in Bettendorf, Holy Family in Davenport, and was a longtime deacon at St. Paul the Apostle in Davenport, where he ministered with compassion, humility, and a servant’s heart. His presence brought comfort and guidance to many, and his dedication to the Church was unwavering.

His dedication to fellow veterans was equally profound. Through the Disabled American Veterans, he served as Iowa State Commander, Davenport Commander, and Iowa State Finance Chairman, advocating tirelessly for those who had served. He also held leadership roles with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, serving as Iowa State Commander and Chaplain.

As a member of the Boy Scouts of America, he achieved the honors of the Order of the Arrow and the St. George Award, recognizing his leadership and dedication to youth and faith. He also faithfully served as the Catholic Boy Scout chaplain for the Diocese, mentoring and guiding young people in their spiritual journeys.

He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and served as a Past Faithful Navigator.

Survivors include children Laura (Gary) Birschbach, Decatur, Richard (Mary Jo) Rasmussen II, Newport, PA, Bridget (Jim) Dunlap, Denver, CO, Tess (Chris) Allen, Naples, FL, Charles (Sachiko) Rasmussen, Eau Claire, WI; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; siblings Helen Ennis, West Camp, NY, Anna Mae Brawley, Bronx, NY, Margaret McCarthy, Bronx, Jo Ann Pritchard, Doner, NY, and Thomas Kerwin, Jersey City, NJ.

Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.