at home surrounded by his family on March 20, 2026.
Don was born to Leo and Dorothea Rasmussen on November 3, 1933, in Austin, Minnesota. He graduated from Austin High School in 1952 and attended Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, for three years. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. On June 16, 1956, he married Mavis Jacobson in Austin, Minnesota.
Don worked for Erie Mining in Gilbert, Minnesota, before moving to Fremont, Nebraska. He was employed with Hormel for 36 years, retiring in 1995. He was a member of Fremont Presbyterian Church.
Don loved to hunt and fish, and he thoroughly enjoyed attending family activities and going on family vacations. He also loved his daily visits to the library. He will be remembered for his big heart, patience, love, and contagious smile.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Mavis; his parents, Leo and Dorothea; his identical twin, Dayle (Mary Jo); and his sister, Beverly (Ron) Nauman.
He is survived by his two daughters: Kathy and husband Jim Karlin; and Ann and husband Gene Vyhlidal, all of Fremont. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Shanna Karlin of Fremont, Chelsey Karlin of Lincoln, Nikki (Chad) Beatty of Fremont, Amy Vyhlidal of Winter Springs, Florida, and Charlie Vyhlidal of Fremont; two great-granddaughters, Emily Beatty and Abby Vyhlidal, both of Fremont; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Memorials are suggested to Keene Memorial Library and Methodist Fremont Hospice.
Private services will be held. Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(9)
Laura England-Biggs
Fremont, NE Monday, March 30, 2026 I will always remember Don's infectious smile - he was such a kind soul. He visited the library frequently (even when we were relocated to the Auditorium during our renovation) and was a much loved "regular." --Laura England-Biggs, Library Director, Keene Memorial LibrarySonia Vanderworth
Fremont, NE Monday, March 30, 2026 I shall miss him coming in the library. He was always smiling and pleasant and that made me happy to see him. I'm so sorry for your loss.Bob & Eileen Thornburg
Fremont, NE Saturday, March 28, 2026 Dear Family of Don,I remember Don as a kind and wonderful man.
Whenever I saw him, he would say “Hi Bobby”; still makes me smile.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Bob & Eileen Thornburg
Vicki Chrisman
Morse Bluff, NE Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Ann and Kathy, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad‘s passing. He was a good guy and a good neighbor for all those years we lived close.Always a wave from him when he was out in the yard and I drove by, years after I was married and had kids,
Paul and Joan Tainter
Fremont, NE Tuesday, March 24, 2026 Kathy and Ann. We were saddened to read of your Dad's passing. We knew him for a long time.. from all the days at Hormel, hunting together with his great dogs through his years of visiting at the library. May he now rest in the peace of the Lord with Mavis. You deepest sympathy to you and your families. Paul and JoanieKelly (Bales) Brohimer
Fremont, NE Tuesday, March 24, 2026 Kathy, Ann and familiesOMG I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I have known Don almost all of my life. He was one of the most nicest people you would ever want to meet. I don't think I had ever seen him without that smile on his face. Know that he's in heaven with your mom. One day you will get that glorious meeting with him and your mom again forever. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Mike and Linda Bechtel
Fremont, NE Monday, March 23, 2026 We are sorry to hear your Dad’s (Razzy, as Mom and Dad called him) passing. May you find peace knowing that you will see him again.Hugs, love and prayers.
Jan Borgmeyer
Fremont, NE Monday, March 23, 2026 Kathy, Jim and girls,I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, Kathy. God called him home yet you will see him again someday in Heaven!
Randy Schulz
De Soto, MO Sunday, March 22, 2026 I have known Don for a long time. He will be missed. He was always willing to visit with most people he met. Always friendly. Had a real caring personality. Prayers for his Family and Friends during this time. Till we meet again Don in Heaven.