Ellsworth G. Rasmussen

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Ellsworth G. Rasmussen, 80, Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away from various health issues Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, at Memorial Central Hospital, Colorado Springs, surrounded by his daughters, Connie and April. He was born July 14, 1941, in Moline, Illinois, son of the late Harold and LaVerne (Vaughan) Rasmussen.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Rasmussen; sister, Lois Brennan; nephews, Eric Rasmussen, Anthony Robinson and Orlando Gibbs; granddaughter, Tiffany Haney; and great-grandson, Peter Perez.

Ellsworth attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Phlox, and Antigo High School, where he met Barbara Jean Miller. They married Oct. 15, 1960, and had Deborah and Connie Rasmussen. They divorced a few years later. He then married Dorothy Jean Garret on Dec. 9, 1972, and had April Rasmussen.

Survivors include brother, Paul Rasmussen, Colorado; sister Bonita (Bonnie) Gibbs, Antigo; three daughters, Deborah (Raymond) Sanapaw, Keshena, Connie Rasmussen, Keshena, and April Rasmussen, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Ell is also survived by nephews Ernie (Amy) Rasmussen, Fruitland, Washington, Seth Rasmussen and Nathan Rasmussen, Colorado, Mark (Pat) Robinson, William Brennan, Shane Gibbs (Cari), and James Gibbs of Wisconsin; nieces Robin (Greg) Verhasselt and DiAnn Robinson, of Wisconsin, and Sarah (Brian) Austad, of Massachusetts; grandchildren, Mark Haney, Dawn Haney, Andrea Wescott, Randall (Millie) Wescott, Melissa (Ruben) Wescott, Harlan (Heather) Peters Jr. and Nicole Peters-Corn (Vance); great-grandchildren, Daniel Webster Jr., Adrianna Alvarado, Aurelia Valencia, Darius Wilber, Mya Torres, Shaniah Torres, Ruben Torres Jr., Ketamiew Perez, Taylesia Haney, Chance Boivin, Chelcie Boivin, Jaxon Wescott, Carter Corn and Marcel Corn.

Ell was employed at various jobs throughout his life, but he particularly loved his job as an elephant keeper at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs. He was a professional semi-truck driver and later retired. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and hunting. He also loved growing plants, especially cacti.

Cremation will be performed by Alternative Cremation, Colorado Springs. A celebration of life with picnic will be held Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Eleven Mile State Park, Colorado. Site #275 North Shore E Loop. RSVP to: araswolf72@gmail.com

The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to the staff at Memorial Central Hospital for taking such good care of Ellsworth.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite zoo.

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