Obituary of Arnold Rasmussen

Arnold Rasmussen, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away at the age of 80 years on November, 27, 2024 on his family farm at Coderre, Saskatchewan, a place he called home for his entire life. Born on March 12, 1944, in Gravelbourg, Arnold grew up as the third of five children to Niels and Mary Rasmussen. From a young age, his connection to the land and animals was undeniable, often shadowing his father on the family farm.

Arnold left school early to support his family after his father’s illness, a decision he embraced with pride. Though his formal education was brief, he possessed an insatiable curiosity and a natural talent for fixing and building, earning him the nickname "MacGyver." Arnold was a farmer, a backhoe operator, and a cattleman at heart, always finding joy in the hard work and fulfillment that the land and livestock brought him.

In 1967, at a wedding where he served as a groomsman, Arnold met the love of his life, Charlotte McMaster. Their connection was instant, and after patiently waiting for Charlotte to complete her nursing training, they married on December 12, 1969 at St. Andrews United Church in Moose Jaw. Together, they built a life on the family farm, raising their two daughters, Janet and Nancy, and later welcoming sons-in-law Trevor and Steven and grandchildren Calvin, Claudia, and Kate. Arnold cherished every moment spent with his family, whether it was working alongside them on the farm, playing games, or teaching his grandchildren life lessons through curling, skidoo rides, or polka dancing in the kitchen.

Arnold’s community was as important to him as his family. He was always ready to lend a hand, whether helping neighbours in need, clearing snow, calling bingo, or volunteering for the Lions Club, serving as Reeve of  Shamrock, Unit Trustee for Thunder Creek School Division, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, Wood River Emergency Measures Organization, Wood River Ambulance Board, Bar Hill Heritage Community Committee, secretary for the Coderre Seed Cleaning Coop Ltd and the Gravelbourg Housing Authority. His dedication and kindness left an indelible mark on those around him. Arnold valued honesty, trustworthiness, and compassion, principles he lived by daily.

Arnold is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte, with whom he shared nearly 55 years of marriage; his daughters Janet (Trevor) Lacell and Nancy (Steven) Williams; grandchildren Claudia, Calvin, and Kate; his sister Sandra (Wayne) King; his brother Ray (Susan) Rasmussen; and his step-sister Ella Felstead, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents Niels and Mary Rasmussen; his sisters Thora (Jim) Smith and Ella (Lloyd) Arthur; niece Carla Arthur; and his parents-in-law Audrey and Robert McMaster, as well as his stepfather Alfred Christensen.

Arnold will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his devotion to his community, and his tireless work ethic. His legacy of kindness and wisdom will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“You are gone from our sight but never from our hearts, we love you.”

Funeral Service was held December 7, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at the Coderre Community Centre in Coderre, Saskatchewan. The celebrant was Samuel Hawkins, the eulogy was shared by

Janet Lacell, Nancy Williams. A special tribute was shared by Tom Ulrich. The pallbearers

Ronald Smith, Kevin Arthur, Kyle King, Erik Rasmussen, David Johnstone, Dustin Beach.

in lieu of flowers, memorial donations Arnold’s memory to the Village of Coderre for the Coderre Community Centre, Box 101 Coderre, SK, S0H 0X0 or Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1738 Quebec Ave, Unit 26 Saskatoon, SK, S7K 1V9.