Randy Rasmussen

Randy grew up in Towner, N.D. After graduating from high school, he followed his sister to the University of North Dakota, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English. He was a teaching assistant and worked at the UND bookstore. In 1999, he found a new home at Chester Fritz Library. “I love books,” he said, “what a better place to work than a library?” Randy wrote 4 published books related to films, another of his interests. He thought that UND’s Writers Workshops was a gem. He left behind several notebooks filled with ideas on what he planned to write. He just didn’t have enough time to do it all.

Randy would not miss, if possible, plays, recitals, and concerts presented by the University or the city. All of them are gems in Grand Forks and he felt fortunate to live here. Music gave him such pleasure and peace. He took a book and a different set of CDs to every treatment at the Cancer Center. In the end only music worked. He passed away of leukemia December 19^th. He was a kind, intelligent, interesting man.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents Vi and Loren Rasmussen and survived by his sister Terri and brother-in-law Bernie Mickelson and his many gracious friends and colleagues at Chester Fritz Library. Randy’s family cannot thank them enough for the comfort and care they gave him until the end. He absolutely loved working with all of them and they felt the same about him.

Memorials may be sent to:
The UND Music Department
Hughes Fine Arts Building
3350 Campus Rod Stop 7125
Grand Forks, ND 58202

Burtness Theater
218 Centennial Rd. Stop
Grand Forks, ND 58202

Grand Forks Symphony
3350 Campus Rd Stop
Grand Forks, ND 58202

Or any gem you enjoy where you live.

Remembering Randy’s quick wit, quiet strength, and bravery…….

As per Randy’s wishes, no formal memorial service will be held.