Jerald Jerome "Jerry" Rasmuson, 83, Minot, formerly of Surrey, died Tuesday in his home surrounded by his loving family and hospice.

Jerry was born September 2, 1934 at Minot, North Dakota, the son of Earl and Bernice (Sylstad) Rasmuson. He was raised and educated at Surrey and graduated from Surrey High School in 1952. During his younger years, he was employed with Larson's Pure Oil.

Jerry was united in marriage to Barbara Elsberry on June 12, 1953 on the Elsberry farm east of Surrey. They built their home east of Surrey. Jerry began employment with the Burlington Northern Railway in 1952 and continued with the company until retiring in 1988. He attained the nickname of "Razzy" and was also employed for area farmers in addition to having horses throughout the years. He had served as a bartender at the Silver Spur in Surrey for a time.

The family enjoyed spending over 20 years at their lake cabin on Strawberry Lake. Jerry was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Surrey. He served on the Surrey School Board and Tran-Am Credit Union Board. He was also a member of the Minot Eagles and American Legion, Pheasants for the Future, Prairie Rails and Carman's Union local chapter, where he had served as the local chairman for eight years. Jerry enjoyed doing mechanical work, along with building projects, raising pheasants, traveling and hunting.

His loving family includes , wife, Barbara, children, Juliene (Joseph) Forrest, Hawaii, Jerome "Jay" Rasmuson (Melissa Sivertson), Minot, Barry (Debra) Rasmuson, Minot; four grandchildren to include: Erick Johnson (Jessica Bay), Chris Johnson, Kelsey Rasmuson (Ryan Dailey) & Ethan Rasmuson (Gina Anderson); five great grandchildren to include: Isabella Johnson, Damien Rafatpanah Auna Rafatpanah, Mason Johnson & Jase Johnson; siblings, Dale (Diane) Rasmuson, Missoula, MT, Karen (Wallace) Edwardson, Surrey, ND and Leon (Marian) Rasmuson, New Town, ND; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Duane.

Celebration of Life service : Friday, January 5, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. in Hope Lutheran Church, Surrey.
Interment: Church of the Brethren Cemetery, Surrey.
Visitation : Thursday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are preferred to Hope Lutheran Church or Trinity Hospice.