Franklin Douglas Rasmussen

Franklin Douglas “Doug” Rasmussen, 80, passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. There will be a private family service with a celebration of life at a later date. Doug was born on November 5, 1940 in Webster City, Iowa to Harry and Vera Rasmussen. As a teenager he played basketball, worked on local farms, fixed everything from cars to TV’s and dated Sandy Hemmen. Doug graduated from UNI with a degree in Mathematics, married Sandy in 1962 and moved to Des Moines to begin his life long career with The Principal Financial Group. Doug spent most of his time at Principal in Pensions and concluded his career by accepting a position as President of Principal Indonesia, where he and Sandy resided for two years prior to his retirement. Throughout life, Doug loved to travel. He and Sandy vacationed all over Europe, spent time in Russia, South America, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Most of North America. Doug was an avid photographer with a natural eye for composition and beautifully documented their travels. Doug was also a passionate woodworker. He crafted many cherished pieces for friends and family and was a part of the Des Moines Woodworkers Association for many years. Doug lived life with incredible knowledge, patience and generosity of spirit, which is his legacy. Doug is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughters, Keiron Anatu; Chontel (Phil) Berthelsen; Grandchildren, Logan Bergemann; Talia (Justin) Bergemann-Bissonnette, Ashlin Berthelsen and Nash Berthelsen; Great Grandchildren, Hudson Bissonnette, Leo Bissonnette; Brother Steve (Cindy) Rasmussen. He was preceded in death by Vera Rasmussen (Mother), Harry Rasmussen (Father).