Jay A. Rasmussen, age 73, of Springbrook, WI and formerly of Farmington, MN, passed away on Wednesday, March 30th, 2016 at Golden Living Center in Hayward, WI.
Jay Allan Rasmussen was born September 26, 1942 in Morristown, MN the son of Lloyd T. and Anna I. (Flom) Rasmussen. He spent his youth in Morristown where he was a standout athlete. In his high school athletic career he scored the third most points in Minnesota basketball history and threw several perfect games for the baseball team. He was signed by the New York Yankees at the age of 17 and joined their farm teams. He spent four years traveling with the teams and reached A level. On February 11, 1961 Jay was joined in marriage to Virginia Mae Meschke in Morristown, MN. While being in the professional baseball leagues he also attended Mankato State University where he received a degree in education. He began his teaching career in Le Roy, MN where he taught Health, Physical Education and Geography for two years. In 1967, he and Virginia along with two young sons moved to Farmington, MN where he taught at the Middle School. While teaching he shared his love of sports by coaching basketball, baseball, softball and golf. He also refereed for high school basketball, volleyball, baseball, college level football and professional women’s basketball. Jay retired in 1999 and moved to Springbrook, WI where he enjoyed golfing and the outdoors.
Jay is survived by his wife of 55 years, Virginia; four children, Tony (Nancy) Rasmussen of Burnsville, MN, Thomas (Nancy) Rasmussen, Lakeville, MN, Tracy (Randy) Robbins of Casa Grande, AZ, Terry (Kelley) Rasmussen of Houston, TX; five grandchildren; eight step grandchildren; one brother, Lowell (Gloria) Rasmussen of Morristown, MN; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Zimprich and Patricia (Bob) Dolen; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother in law, Donald & Ernestine (Worker) Meschke Sr., and a brother-in-law, Donald Meschke, Jr.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, at White Funeral Home, 901 3rd Street, Farmington, MN. A time of gathering with family and friends will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The First Tee organization @ thefirsttee.org.