Donna Jean Rasmussen

Donna Jean Rasmussen, 79, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, Nebraska.

She was born on February 19, 1943, in Syracuse, New York, to Arthur Nelsen and Ruby Mrytle (Law) Cole. She resided in New York and was united in marriage to Arnold Richard Sayyeau in 1961. Four children were blessed to this union: Chuck, Dale, Dennis and Bryan. This marriage would later end in divorce.

She then met and married the love of her life, Gary Boyd Rasmussen, and they returned to Nebraska and were married on March 3, 1970, in Julesburg, Colorado. Three children were blessed to this union: Samantha, Gary Boyd Jr., and William Earl.

In May of 1978, they opened Gary’s Kleen & Shine in Lexington. This was a job she greatly enjoyed, and the entire family was involved. Donna later began working Plum Creek Care Center and Park Avenue Estates before retiring.

Donna was a devout listener of KRVN 880 and was a big Paul Harvey fan. She also loved listening to cowboy church music on Sunday’s and playing cards.

Those left to honor her memory are her children, Chuck (Melanie) Weaver of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Dale (Christy Hatcher) Sayyeau of Shelton, Nebraska, Dennis (Sherrie) Hageman of Overton, Nebraska, Bryan Elafros of Omaha, Nebraska, Gary Boyd Jr. (Pamela) Rasmussen of Foster, Oregon, Willie (Tracie) Rasmussen of Overton, Nebraska; step-children, Deborah (Douglas) Hurley of Phoenix, Arizona, Pamela (Kenny) Patch of Central Square, New York, and Gary L. Thompson of Mesa, Arizona as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Rasmussen Sr., five brothers, Arthur, Douglas, Raymond, David and Jimmy; a sister, Lynda; her daughter, Samantha Rasmussen Rich and infant son, Jonathan.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 9, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, Nebraska. The service will be live-streamed via the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 8, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

Burial will be held at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com