Dennis Paul Rasmussen of Poway, California passed away on September 15, 2021 at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. He was born on September 19, 1950 in Gordon, Nebraska to Christian 'Paul' and Elvera Rasmussen (Blonien). He was 70 years old.

He was a good ole Nebraska boy growing up on a farm in a close-knit family. He loved working on the farm and helping out. He loved fishing, camping at the lake, and hunting. His passion for hunting was so strong he would go before and after school and was known to ditch school to hunt as well.

He joined the US Navy after high school, where he served for 27 years; both active and in the Navy Reserve. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat 'V'.  He loved his country, the flag, and all things military. He was a founding member of both the Poway Veterans Organization and the Poway Veterans Park. His love and admiration for the military knew no bounds.

He was an active member of the Poway Elks Lodge #2543 for 25 years. He volunteered his time working with veterans, cooking and doing different jobs around the Lodge. He was also a life member of the VFW Post 7907.

Dennis enjoyed gardening, playing shuffleboard, pool, and cheering on the Chargers and Cornhuskers football teams.

He is survived by his wife, Janet. Oldest daughter, Jennifer Hayden and husband John along with grandchildren, Jacob, Josslyn and Jaylene, of Minnesota. Son, Ryan Rasmussen, of California.  Youngest daughter, Jessica Canoy and husband Kent, of Idaho. His sisters; Fran Wallin and Robyn Rasmussen and brother, Roger Rasmussen and wife Nancy, all from Nebraska along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Celebration of Life will be at the Poway Elks Lodge #2543 on Saturday, October 23 rd @ 1:00pm.  The burial services will be at Miramar National Cemetery on Monday, October 25 th @ 10:30am.