Pete

Charles “Pete” Rasmussen

Our hearts are heavy with the passing of “Pete” Rasmussen on Sunday, July 17. Pete was the Camp Director for 25 years (1965-1990). As we grieve with and pray for comfort for Kathy and all of Pete’s family, we rejoice in the hope of our faith, “just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”-Romans 6:4

Memorial Service: Saturday, July 24  2:30 p.m. at Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorial donations to the “Pete’s Kids Camping Scholarship Fund” at Heartland Presbyterian Center, 16965 NW Highway 45, Parkville, MO 64152

What an amazing man and a living tribute to the love of Jesus Christ. You will be missed Pete. And for more than your mis-matched socks! Brian Frick

Pete’s ability to quiet the rowdiest kids with his quiet voice always amazed and inspired me. He brought the Good News of Jesus Christ to so many through stories, humor and song. Pete’s love for God and God’s people just shined through everything he did. We’ll miss you, Pete! BernaJean Norman

My heart just broke…truly the most inspirational man I have ever known. Clarissa Best

He touched MANY hearts and will be missed, a great legacy will continue. Paula Marie Isgrig

His model of service for the cause of Christ remains an inspiration to me. David Irwin

I am so saddened. Pete was truly an inspiration to me. Prayers to the family. God be with you. Lucy Miller Berry

Sad that Pete’s soft-spoken wisdom and faith won’t be heard, but I rejoice in the grace of Jesus Christ and the savior to whom Pete always pointed. Jim Robinson

And now someone is singing for him, “Well done good and faithful servant” Darla Haines Mills

The best model of a man of God that I had the privilege of knowing at a critical time in life. Thanks for believing in me, Pete. Heather Layton

Pete had a true heart for God and for all the children who came to the camp. I remember talking to him one week about all the kids who came to camp from broken homes, who were scared, abused, or neglected, and how most of this doesn’t come out until the Thursday night during the week when people finally start to open up to each other. Those kinds of stories are heartbreaking to hear as a counselor when you suddenly realize what they have to go back to in another day or two. I will always remember what he said to me: “You don’t need to try to fix all of their problems. Just love them.” This camp was my first glimpse as a 6th grader into the way the world should be, the way it could be, if we just loved God by loving others. It was the reason that I came back and worked as a counselor there for four years, to give back to the place that had given me my first inkling of what heaven on earth would look like.  Nick Velharticky

Pete has touched many lives, mine included, and I see myself as a better man of God, because of the way Pete touched my life. John Vale

Remembering Pete makes me want to break out singing. . . “Oh, an Austrian went yodeling on an mountain so high. . .” What a joyful child of God who helped all of us smile and taught us all to laugh at ourselves! Sarah Parker

1. Pete socks and shorts  2. Soft spoken  3. Song – Zum Gali Gali he would wear a kitchen’s strainer on his head and dance around with a large spoon. You have to comfortable in your manhood to do that. Randy Robinson

Wow, I’m going to miss having Pete in the world. It’s a rare individual who can make virtually every person who crosses their path feel valued and cherished, but somehow, he managed that. As soon as he would appear on the scene, in his plaid shorts and mismatched socks, campers knew they were in a place where it was safe to let their “inner goofball” shine and to allow themselves to be vulnerable before God and others. I’m blessed and honored to have known him. Beth Handly Peck

What a kind, gentle spirit! He will be greatly missed. Looking forward to seeing you on the other side, Pete!  Beth Trueblood Neidecker

The thing I remember most about Pete: As a camper even thou I was only there one week during the year, he ALWAYS knew my name. I don’t know if it was one of his tricks or not, but I was amazed. Spencer ‘Spencer’

I remember as a camper sitting on the hill next to the dining lodge for group photos and Pete would always make sure everyone was smiling. If you weren’t smiling at the beginning, you were smiling by the end b/c of the tricks he would do or the goofy outfits he would put on. I remember how he would get me to go to camp by setting me up to go the same week with his grandson, Andy. I remember while on staff, Pete would come out for a visit and he would take the time to share stories and just make me feel like there was no better job in the world than being on staff. My life will forever be touched by his devotion to God. Keith Mandachit

Pete was a man after God’s own heart. He was a good man. In the years I was on staff (1981 – 1984) I don’t remember him ever losing his temper: he might not have always been pleased with some of out antics, but he never got mad. Joan Hagemier

I am thankful to God for His servant Pete Rasmussen, who touched so many lives. I am so glad I got to know him. I will see him again. Will he have mismatched socks at that time? He probably will know a few more tricks also. Dan Irwin

Pete was the “Father” figure for me after I lost mine when we were both too young. Summer was Parkvilleand Pete. I don’t think I missed one, even when it meant sneaking away and not telling my folks I’d paid for the week myself…. then I got sick and Pete called Mom, but let me stay. He understood what the quiet pathways meant and thrilled in the lightning storms tempestuous thrall. Pete will forever be a part of my life, and always whispering to me whenever I hear the wind in the trees or see the summer heat lightning. Rod Light

Charles “Pete” Rasmussen