Jerry Elmer Rasmussen, 77, of Owatonna, died on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Timberdale Trace. He was born March 11, 1949, in Owatonna, the only son of Harvey and Gwendolyn (Bailey) Rasmussen. Jerry grew up near Hope on a family farm, and attended grade school in Hope until transferring to the 9th grade in Owatonna, where he graduated from Owatonna High School in 1967. During high school, Jerry helped on the farm with the pigs and crops but was also a track star. After graduating, Jerry met the love of his life, Sandy Spinler, and they married in Owatonna on February 3, 1973, spending 53 wonderful years together.

In 1987, the couple moved to St. Charles, MN, where Jerry opened St. Charles Equipment, a John Deere dealership, selling farming equipment with Sandy by his side, until retiring in 2010. They moved back to Owatonna, near family and friends. When Jerry wasn't working, he enjoyed being involved; he was in a bowling league and umpired softball and baseball games, ran a food stand for the Lions Club at the St. Charles’ County Fair and worked in the Beer Garden at the Steele County Free Fair for over 30 years. During retirement, Jerry and Sandy would travel the country to "hit all the casinos" because gambling was Jerry's favorite way to pass time. From 1996 to 2023, the couple owned a town home on Rush Lake where they hosted family and friends. His family has cherished memories of him spoiling their honorary grandchildren, Noah and Rylie Millhouse. When on the lake, Jerry would take his family out on the boat to teach them the skill of fishing.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandy; cousins, Bear (and Mary) Bailey, Craig (and Lori) Bailey, Doug (and Dawn) Nelson, Barb Nelson, Brad (and Sharon) Nelson, and Gregg (and Denise) Nelson; and several other family members and honorary grandchildren he enjoyed spoiling.

He was preceded in death by his parents and cousin, Brian Nelson.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will be held at the Steele Center Cemetery following a reception at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Steele County Free Fair in his memory.