Ryan Merrill Rasmussen's Obituary
Ryan Merrill Rasmussen returned to his mother’s arms on April 21, 2022. He was born November 14, 1965 to Marilyn Merrill and Kenneth Rasmussen. He was the first of three children. He was raised in Salt Lake City, graduated from Granite High School and attended the University of Utah for a short time but was an avid BYU fan. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Ryan was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 13 years old and went into kidney failure in 1998. He received a kidney pancreas transplant in March of 1999.
Ryan worked in the food industry for many years, including Dominoes, Marriott and Hilton. He loved working with people and made many friends.
In 2000 he married Kristi Rowan and they had a daughter Brooklynn Marilyn. They were later divorced but always remained good friends. Brooklynn was the light of his life.
No matter his health issues he was always positive and upbeat. He loved the LA Dodgers, in fact he named his daughter after the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was always up to going to LA to a Dodger game and Olvero Street for Taquitos.
In 2017 his health started to fail again and he had to go back on dialysis. In spite of his bad health he still was positive hoping to get another kidney, but his heart started to fail as well.
Ryan lived with his cousin Robert Merrill for many years. They had many fun adventures together. They were the best of friends. Thank you Robert for you love and concern for so many years.
The end of January 2022 Ryan moved back in with his Dad and Step Mom not wanting to be alone because of his failing health. Despite that, he always had a sense of humor and he even loved cooking for us. He was always fun to have around. He is now at peace. His body is perfect. He no longer has to jab his finger to test his sugar or take his blood.
He is preceded in death by his Mother, Marilyn Merrill Rasmussen, Grandparents, Cal and Golda Rasmussen, Clarence and Marian Merrill. He is survived by his daughter, Brooklynn, and Step-son, Christian Rowan, and Grandson, Lucas. His Father, Kenneth Rasmussen (Step-Mother, Toni), brother Chad Rasmussen (Marla) and sister Alisa Shepherd (Steve) and Grandma Thelma Ingersoll, and lots of nieces, nephews and Aunts and Uncles.
Thank you to all of his friends and family who have loved him and been concerned for him over the many years.
A viewing will be held on Monday, April 25th from 10 to 12 at the LDS Church, 1361 E 4000 South, Salt Lake City UT. A graveside service will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial, 3201 South Highland Drive at 12:30. A luncheon will be provided by the Hillview Ward Relief Society at the above address for the LDS church at 1:00 pm. All are welcome to return and share memories of Ryan.
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Share a story where Ryan's kindness touched your heart.
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