Gerald "Brent" Rasmussen, 74, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, in Orem, Utah.
Brent was born on September 15, 1951, in Alamosa, Colorado, to Gerald Jay and Janice Marie Bodley Rasmussen. He grew up in Sanford, Colorado, where he developed a lifelong love for ranching, horses, sports, music, and family.
After graduating from Sanford High School in 1969, Brent attended Fort Lewis College and Adams State College. A gifted percussionist, he played drums with several bands throughout southern Colorado and became well known for his musical talent and love of dancing.
Brent married Carolyn Sue Ratzlaff in June 1975, and they were later sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A natural salesman, Brent began his career selling automobiles before entering the insurance industry. He served communities throughout southern Colorado before founding Rasmussen Agency in La Jara. He valued the friendships he built through his work as much as the business itself.
Brent fulfilled a lifelong dream when he established his own ranch outside La Jara. Ranching became one of his greatest passions as he raised cattle, farmed the land, rode horses, and spent countless hours in the mountains with family and friends. He especially enjoyed teaching his children the value of hard work.
Brent also dedicated time to public service, serving as a volunteer firefighter, Mayor of Sanford, a member of the Sanford Town Board, the San Luis Valley Council of Governments, and the Conejos County Hospital Board.
Above all, Brent loved his family. He was proud to see each of his four children earn a college education and treasured his role as Grandpa. His grandchildren will remember his stories, jokes, walks together, and his generous spirit.
In his later years, Brent faced significant health challenges, including dementia, which greatly affected his life and relationships. His family is grateful for the compassion shown to him by friends, caregivers, and loved ones during those difficult years.
Brent is survived by his children: Brenda (Tyson) Bagwell; Krista (Tim) Sexton; Travis (Beth) Rasmussen; and Kraig (Hailey) Rasmussen; sixteen grandchildren: McKenna (Levi) Black, Trevor Bagwell, Audrey (Aldan) Bailey, Emily (Tyler) McMaster, Nathan, Jared, Leah Sexton, Caden, Tori, Scott, Mitchell, Kylie Rasmussen, Evelyn, Jack, Louis, and Theo Rasmussen; his sister, Rita (Jerry) Menges; his brother, Keith (Genia) Rasmussen; and many beloved cousins, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The Rasmussen family expresses heartfelt gratitude to all who extended kindness and patience to Brent throughout his life. We find comfort in our faith in Jesus Christ and His promise that through Him all things—including the burdens of mortality—will one day be made whole.
A funeral service was held in Utah on July 6, 2026. A graveside service will be held in Colorado at the Sanford Cemetery at 4:00 pm on July 18, 2026.
