Norval Rasmussen

life story

Son, Husband, Father, Grandfather for Eternity

"Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it."

About Norv

Norval Dale Rasmussen, 86, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at The Deerfield in New Richmond, Wisconsin.

Norv was born on December 24, 1938, to Louis and Addie Rasmussen in Perkins, Oklahoma, where he was raised. The youngest of five children, Norv graduated from Coyle High School and got a scholarship to play baseball at the University of Oklahoma.

Norv is survived by his son, Eric Rasmussen, his daughter-in-law, Erika Rasmussen, and his grandson, Evan Rasmussen.

He is also survived by his brother David Rasmussen. Norv was preceded in death by his wife, Patty Rasmussen as well as his siblings, Norma Kraft, JoAnne Holsinger, and Mick Rasmussen.

Norv left college early to play professional baseball, signing as a “bonus baby” with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1958. He went on to play in the Dodgers organization for about six years.

Norv’s love of baseball also introduced him to lifelong friends as well as his wife, Patty, who he first met at a baseball game in the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960’s. They later married in 1973 and had their only child, Eric, in 1977.

Norv excelled in business, operating several gift stores called “The Company” with his longtime friend and business partner, George Collier. Norv added another professional chapter in his life as a successful real estate agent in the Bay Area before he and Patty retired to Lake Wapogasset near Amery, Wisconsin.

Norv loved fishing, playing golf, and bragging about his son, Eric, to anyone who would listen. Norv was a private person, but he was also loving and generous with his time, money, and attention for anyone who was lucky enough to know him. His fish frys at the lake remain legendary to all who had a chance to enjoy them.

No one sparked more joy in Norv’s final years than his grandson, Evan. The two of them formed an amazing bond that lasted until his final hours.

In the last year, Norv battled ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) with immense bravery and dignity. He remains an inspiration to all who witnessed that battle. Norv’s family would be honored if you would consider making a donation to the ALS Association instead of sending flowers.