Dean Rasmussen

Carroll “Dean” Rasmussen, a visionary leader in heavy construction, patriot, philanthropist, and resident of Agoura Hills, California, passed away on July 20th, 2024, at the age of 81 after a 21-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born on April 16, 1943, in San Diego, California, the first child of Carl Andrew and Hazel Marguerite (née Johnson) Rasmussen, Dean graduated from Antelope Valley High School, Lancaster, CA in 1961. Dean fulfilled his public service while pursuing his education graduating from United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY, Bachelor of Science, Third Mates license in 1965; U.S. Merchant Marine, any ocean, any tonnage, Ensign commission, U.S. Navy, in 1965; U.S. Naval Reserve Lieutenant Commission; and Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, Bachelor of Science in construction in 1968.

Dean married Vickie Stegman in 1967and had two sons - Andrew and Eric.

In May 1968, Dean joined his father as Vice President and General Manager at C.A. Rasmussen, Inc., Simi Valley. From 1978-2006, Dean served as President and Chief Executive Officer, significantly expanding the family business with his brothers, Charlie and Larry. Under his leadership, C.A. Rasmussen pioneered the use of the D10 tractor in California, rebuilt infrastructure after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, and developed major roads, bridges, and railroad projects in Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Ventura Counties.

Dean's vision, creativity, and leadership, earned considerable respect and admiration within the construction industry. A lifelong learner and avid reader, he mentored others and advanced the field of construction with innovative ideas. Known for his humor and humility, Dean endearingly referred to himself as “Ralph Groundpounder” and his quip, “reshaping the earth to better suit God’s intended plan,” endeared him to those who knew him.

Dean was deeply committed to charitable causes, serving as chairman of the board and trustee for Viewpoint School in Calabasas and the ALS Network, founder and funder of The ALS Association’s national and California advocacy programs, trustee for National Park Foundation, Harvey Mudd College, Southern California Contractors Association, Ventura County Game Preserve, Venice Island Reclamation District No. 2023, Los Robles Regional Medical Center, Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families, Operating Engineers Health and Welfare Fund, Construction Industry of Advancement Fund for Southern California, founding director of the University of California at Santa Barbara Economic Forecast Project - Ventura County. He was also a member of the Liberty National Insurance Company Advisory Board, The International Order of Saint Hubertus, Chief Executive Organization, World Presidents’ Organization, and Young Presidents’ Organization. Memories of his father’s battle with and death from ALS in 1989 led him to commit time and funding to support families and research for a cure to neurodegenerative disease. For 21 years, Dean faced his Parkinson’s diagnosis with courage and without complaint, a testament to his strength and perseverance.

An avid oenophile, hunter, and fisherman, Dean’s passions also included history, travel, L.C. Smith shotguns, artwork, antiques, skiing, running, race walking, flying, and motorcycle riding. A devoted family man, he built a classic California ranch-style home in Agoura Hills. An avid pilot, Dean enjoyed flying his family to Mammoth Mountain. A fun fact, during high school, Dean was a manager for Frank Zappa.

Dean is survived by his wife of 23 years, Kathleen Marie (née O’Brien) Rasmussen; his sons, Andrew St. Chad and Eric Nels (Carrie née Randolph); Erin Mary (née Mann) Urbina (David) and Jeremy Pritchard Mann; and six grandchildren, Grace Ashlynn Nilsen-Rasmussen, Dean Sage, Josie Beth and Alice Irene Rasmussen; and Isabella Kathleen and Roman Rafael Urbina; and his siblings Larry (Peggy), Charlie (Patti), Rasmussen, and Ella Glover (Dec. Terry), James (Jeanne) Rasmussen, and nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Fabiola Diaz, Sharon Minerva, Shannon Young, Tim MacDonald, Dan Dollar, caregivers Mary Kathleen Palomares and Sheila Belarmino, and his physicians at Keck Hospital of USC for their unwavering support and care.

The interment will be at Pierce Brothers Mortuary in Westlake Village. A celebration of life will be held at his Agoura Hills home in October 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in the memory of Dean Rasmussen to ALS Network “Rasmussen Family Endowment for Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases” and Viewpoint School “Rasmussen Family Endowment for Teacher Excellence.”

https://secure.alsnetwork.org/site/TR/Events/General?px=1006176&pg=personal&fr_id=1130

https://www.viewpoint.org/give/in-loving-memory-of-dean-rasmussen

Dean’s legacy of idealism, patriotism, progressive thinking, benevolence, and endurance inspires those who knew him and a foundation for future generations to build upon. His vision and perseverance leaves a prominent trail for us to follow.