Obituary Published at: http://www.magicvalley.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/article_6d8e8e0c-96cb-5f10-a348-e186720f38d7.html

  Darhl E. Rasmussen, age 70, of Rupert, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, May 16, 2011.

   He was born March 6, 1941, in Elba, Idaho, the son of Elmo and Josie Udy Rasmussen. He received and completed his education in Richfield. He married Leona Helms and together, they raised three children, Anita, Miranda and Dee Jay. Following their divorce, Darhl met Betty Hammond, and they had many wonderful years together.

   Darhl farmed for the majority of his life. In his later years, his focus was on his family. He loved his children and grandchildren and was so happy for their accomplishments. He enjoyed camping and fishing. He was a hard worker and instilled these wonderful qualities in his children. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

  He is survived by his mother, Josie Udy Spiers of Oakley; his children, Anita (James) Burdick of Twin Falls, Miranda (Keith) Baker of Pocatello and Dee Jay (Stephanie) Rasmussen of Rupert; 13 grandchildren; and his sister, Kara (Alex) Gordon of Payette. Darhl was preceded in death by his stepfather, Gordon Spiers; the mother of his children, Leona Helms Rasmussen; and the second love of his life, Betty Hammond.

  The funeral will be held 1 p.m. Friday, May 20, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St. in Burley, where friends and family may call from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Burial will be in the Oakley Cemetery.

The Rest of the Story: (From Family records and my discussion with Faye Dean Spencer (Rasmussen):

     Darhl E. Rasmussen was born March 6, 1941, in Elba, Idaho, the first born child of Elmo Rasmussen and Josie Udy.  Darhl was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 26, 1949.  His parents moved to the Salt Lake City area where his brother, Elmo L., and his sister, Kara were born.  Elmo L. only lived for two days, May 28, 1943 to May 30, 1943.  Elmo and Josie moved the family to the Rupert, Idaho area where Rolan U. was born June 10, 1947.  Sadly, Rolan died June 11, 1947.

     Darhl married Faye Dean Spencer August 22, 1958, in Richfield, Idaho.  Darhl’s paternal uncle, Joel E. Rasmussen who was Bishop of the Oakley, Idaho LDS 2nd Ward, performed the wedding ceremony.  Darhl and Faye moved to the Rupert, Idaho, where they were blessed with two children, Darhl Shane and Pamela Faye.

     Darhl and Faye divorced October 21, 1963, in Burley, Idaho. Faye, married Darhl’s father, Elmo Rasmussen, on November 22, 1963, in Elko, Nevada.  Elmo divorced Josie on September 1,1963. 

     Darhl married Leona Marie Helms on March 7, 1964, in Burley, Idaho by Bishop Ralph Gorringe.  Darhl and Leona divorced and remarried on two or three separate occasions.  They are the parents of Anita and Miranda.            Darhl married Vickie (last name unknown).  They are the parents of Dee Jay Rasmussen.

     Darhl was also married for a time to Amy (last name unknown).  They had no children.  He never married Betty Hammond but they lived together in his later years.