Age 101, passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at his home, with his family at his side. He was born December 6, 1921 in Forest City, Iowa , the son of Anton Ensign and Clara Nateva (Emmons) Rasmussen.
Robert served in the Army as a Corporal in the Philippines during WWII. He was an Aeronautical Engineer and later an automotive engineer. He worked for Boeing in Seattle, Washington, then for Chrysler Aerospace in New Orleans, Louisiana (on NASA's Saturn rocket project); and finally the Chrysler Proving Grounds in Chelsea, retiring in 1991. He has lived in Chelsea since 1969. Robert was a member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ. He enjoyed traveling, particularly to San Francisco (where his son lived); and woodworking. Dad exercised 3 times a week on his Nordic track, which he bought when he retired at age 70. His favorite adage was “Bodies are made to move.” He also enjoyed classical music and played his trombone every day in retirement.
On April 19, 1952, he married Betty Bennett in Toppenish, WA, and she preceded him in death on August 24, 2006. He is survived by two daughters, Susan (Richard) Huelsberg of Saline, Christine Gaunt of Ann Arbor; a son-in-law, John “Jack” Daniels ; two grandchildren, Steve (Richele) Gaunt and Kristin (Ethan) McLaughlin; three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Isla, and Oliver; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard, brothers-in-law, Eugene Bennett and Jerre Lieberman, a sister, Ruth Lieberman, a sister-in-law, Alice Smith Rasmussen, and his son, Brock.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 16, 11:00 am at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea, with Rev. Eric Stricklin officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Thursday from 5 to 7pm and at the church Friday from 10-11am. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ, 14600 Old US 12, Chelsea, MI 48118.
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