Bruce Allen Rasmussen, 81, of Spooner, WI, died at home of complications related to cancer on February 27, 2024 surrounded by his family. Remembered as an exceptional swimmer, an honored Air Force veteran, a meticulous aerospace engineer, a master woodworker, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather, Bruce leaves behind his legacy in the lives of all who knew him.

Bruce was born in Minneapolis in 1942 to Lucile and Clayton Rasmussen and welcomed siblings Anne and Bob to the family a few years later. He spent a majority of his time growing-up at “the lake” during the summers where he realized his first love, the love of the water and swimming. Bruce attended Hopkins High School and the University of Minnesota where he swam and trained for the Olympics, making Olympic trial times in the 1500m free and relay events. Tragedy struck one day while he was out riding his bicycle in the country. He was hit by a car in a hit-and-run accident, leaving him with both a broken arm and leg. After the accident, he lost his collegiate swimming scholarship and a chance to fulfill his Olympic dream. Not to be defeated, Bruce traveled to Alaska to heal, working with his family for a time before joining the Air Force where he studied and earned his master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering.

During Bruce’s 40 years of service in the military, he received numerous awards and commendations including: The Air and Space Commendation medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award. He was also a Master Mason member of the FreeMasons at the Osceola Masonic Lodge.

Swimming wasn’t the only long-time love of Bruce’s life. At the age of 12, Bruce met Sally Blanchard at his uncle’s cabin on Lake Wapogasset. Sally often visited a friend that lived near Bruce’s uncle, and the two became friends. Bruce tried to spend as much time as he could with Sally, occasionally biking 23 miles one way to visit her in Osceola where in at least one instance, he was told to “go home” by Sally’s mom because of an approaching thunderstorm.

Bruce was persistent over the years though, and after just 4 official dates with Sally, the two decided to elope. Excited to start their new lives together, Bruce and Sally were married August 19, 1964 at the First Lutheran Church in Winnipeg, Canada. The two traveled with the military throughout their marriage, living in Hawaii, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Georgia, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Bruce loved Sally with all of his heart and was a devoted husband throughout their 60 years together.

During their marriage, Bruce and Sally welcomed three girls into the world. Outnumbered and surrounded by women, Bruce embraced the role of a girl-dad. As a father, he was a great teacher. His daughters spent time learning everything from how to tie their shoes to complicated math problems to essay critiques from him. He wouldn’t give them answers to their problems, but rather would guide them so they could solve the problem on their own. He spent hours at the pool teaching them how to swim, compete, and perform life-saving water skills. He taught them to be good people and live good lives. They all have happy memories fishing, waterskiing, boating, and swimming at the lake with their dad, and they will always remember road trips together, tuning into Bruce’s iconic “Captain Hook” call sign on the walkie talkies. Bruce fostered a love of the outdoors by taking his daughters hiking, swimming, and camping. At home, the girls would enjoy time with their dad raking leaves and floating down the rushing creek in their backyard right into their father’s arms. Bruce was and will always remain a fun, loving father in the eyes of his three daughters.

Bruce always had a twinkle in his eye and seemed to find some mischief to get into. For over 30 years his cohorts would join him in the fun on a fishing trip, “CWAFE” to Canada. He received his call sign of “Captain Hook” on one such trip. While out in the boat, he managed to get a hook in each of his thumbs at the same time.

Everyone who knew Bruce knew how much he loved woodworking in his shop, watching wildlife in nature, learning about new technology, reading fiction and mystery novels, collecting and repairing antiques - especially clocks, solving problems he hadn’t solved before, thinking in new and creative ways, and getting a job done right. One of his favorite sayings was, “You can do anything you put your mind to”, and he conveyed a sense of determination in all his endeavors.

Bruce is survived by the love of his life, Sally Rasmussen and their three daughters Kristin (Gene) Webster, Jennifer (Frank) Peloso, and Sandra (Jason) Moore, along with their families. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren could not have asked for a better husband, dad, or grandfather, and he will be missed. His memory and legacy will carry on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to call him friend and family.

Bruce, you always wanted us to turn the lights off when we left a room, but guess what? We are going to keep your light on. Love you always and forever.

Last Update: Mar 11, 2024 9:05 am CDT