Jean Aurel Asmussen

Born: January 28, 1937

Died: October 14, 2026 

Age 89

Jean was the second daughter born to Victor Ralph Albertson & Hattie Leona Jameson-Albertson in Denver, Colorado. Jean graduated from West High School in Denver, Colorado, class of 1954.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, best friend and husband; John Leo Asmussen, MN2, USN, Honorable Discharge.

Born: May 21, 1929, Longmont, Colorado. 

Died: April 21, 2020. 

She is survived by all 5 of her children, 11 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and her only sister Doreen Laverne Albertson-Skinner (LeRoy - deceased) of Henderson, Colorado.

On June 11, 1955, Jean & John were married at her parents’ home in Denver, Colorado. They met on a blind date that was set up by his brother Harry who was dating his future wife Billie who was a good friend of Jean. She fell for his red hair and rugged "Kirk Douglas" looks! He fell for her beautiful brown eyes and quiet nature.

She was 18 and he was 26 years old. They were married for nearly 65 years.

Their first home was Evanston, Wyoming where John was employed by Union Pacific Railway. They quickly began a family with Linda, John and James. In 1959 he was transferred to Denver where they built a new home and added two more children. Alan and Christena "Chris".

DAUGHTER

Linda Asmussen-Sventek (Leonard), Cheyenne, Wyoming. 

Granddaughter - Amy McWhirt (Michael)

Great grandchildren - Dominick (Jenna) and Ayla.

SON

John Asmussen (Becky), Loveland, Colorado

Granddaughter - Natalie Asmussen-Dunn (Jason)

Great Grandchildren - Christopher, Adam and Peyton

Granddaughter - Katie Asmussen-Kelley (Scott)

SON

James Asmussen, Chief, (E-7) USN (Ret.), (Denise), Greeley, Colorado

Grandson - James Asmussen, Chief, (E-7) USN (Ret.), (Audra)

Great grandchildren - Austin, Kaleigh and Savannah

Grandson - Timothy Asmussen

Great Grandchildren - Jason, Aden, Emma and Maddie (mother, Tasha)

Grandson - Thomas Asmussen (Caitlin)

Great Grandchildren - Leihm, Jasper and Paxton 

Grandson - Kenneth Asmussen (Kayla)

Great grandchildren - Kenneth Jr., Kinlee, Karson and Khloe

Granddaughter - Emily Asmussen-Thompson (Scott)

Great Granddaughters - Illana, Isabella and Allison (newest!) 

SON

Alan Asmussen (Laura) - Gypsum, Colorado

Granddaughter - Brooke Asmussen

Granddaughter - Megan Asmussen-Stevens (Harrison)

Great Grandson - Cal

DAUGHTER

Christena Asmussen-Ward (Denham), Dillon, Colorado.

Granddaughter - Marin

Jean was as a loving mother, homemaker and supportive wife of John who worked as a career Lineman for Union Pacific Railway based in Denver for 46 years. 

A self-determined woman, Jean did not have the advantages of her own mother's guidance as Hattie sadly passed away when Jean was only 21 years old. It was a defining time in her life and a great loss. 

She was easy going and allowed space for individuality. She was vivacious, feisty, strong willed, quick witted and a hard-working woman who was young at heart and always enjoyed laughter and a positive attitude and environment.

Jean was frugal, (proudly stating she was "cheap"), adventurous and loved to travel. She adored her children at every age and was interested in the hopes and dreams of her grandchildren.

She acquired a listening ear and would offer common sense, wisdom and encouragement from life experiences.

She enjoyed watching movies...old and new. Along with John, they were always up for a John Wayne or Audie Murphy cowboy movie.

She was an avid reader and favored "racy and daring" romance novellas as well as Louis L' Amour novels. 

Traditional cowboy country music on the record player at home and square dancing and the two-step on a Saturday night were great past times with lifelong friends. She loved to garden and there was always something blooming in her yard.

Jean carried herself with quiet dignity. She was private and emotionally strong, never displaying her own emotions publicly - just as she said her father taught her. She was a 9-year breast cancer survivor. 

Jean had a huge heart for the underdog and promoted tolerance and acceptance for different viewpoints and beliefs while being respectful and clear about her own.

She did not subscribe to any organized religious doctrine but acknowledged a Christian faith of one God and his Son Jesus Christ, and the basic principles and moral teachings of the Bible. She enjoyed the music and singing hymns at occasional church visits when she moved to Loveland. Three days before she passed away, she accepted Jesus' salvation and professed Him to be her Lord.

She insisted and organized family get togethers during the holidays, and everyone contributed their specialty dish to share. Holidays were all about celebrating with her family and wanted to be included. She treasured small gifts and drawings from her grands. 

Jean was an example of a true "helpmate" for her husband John. They were a unified, intelligent, hardworking team and a strong example of sustaining quiet love. They were patient and respectful of each other, accepting differences and standing together and resolute in conquering life's trials. These were essential qualities that shaped the success of a long life together.

Jean & John enjoyed the great outdoors immensely and passed on that love to their family. Weekends and summers were filled with camping trips, hiking, fishing...anything outdoors. Although they owned a small cabin in their early years when the family was young, it was

around 1987-88 they built a custom summer cabin in the high Colorado Rocky Mountains, designed by sister Doreen, near the town of Leadville, Colorado. It was a very special place with friends nearby and during retirement years, they would spend much time alone together. Family and friends were always welcome during the summer for fishing and get togethers. In the fall, John would organize a "men only" elk hunt. The ladies would send them off with food, but John would make a big pot of stew as the main course–every night!

Jean & John both grew up in families who were affected by the great depression era of the 20s and 30s and the lessons of frugal spending and diligent saving meant survival. Those lessons were instilled in their children. The benefits of hard work and self-sacrifice was extremely important to impart to their family’s' success in life whatever they chose to do. Jean & John were both generous with their love and time for others.

After John retired, he began to create beautiful intricate scrolled wooden clocks, toys and anything that could be made with mostly salvaged wood pallets. Jean oversaw the finishing and deciding who gets what. They handcrafted them all from their one car garage converted to a woodshop. Their creations are priceless treasures in all of our homes.

John passed away at home, from complications of Glioblastoma, brain cancer. He was laid to rest during the beginning of the 2020 Covid 19 pandemic. Six and a half years later, surrounded by her family, Jean passed away from complications of Lymphoma, lymph system cancer. 

Jean was living independently in Loveland, Colorado to be close to her children's care. She enjoyed the last chapter of her life making new friends, even finding deep companionship with her friend Jerry Chadwick until his passing in 2025.

Jean & John Asmussen were a humble example of what true love and devotion to each other and their family can do in the span of a lifetime.

May God bless them and give them peace and rest.

We will love and miss you both. 

We will forevermore, remember you...as one.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. It will also include Military Honors for John. Interment will follow immediately after the service. Lunch will be served.