Obituary
RALPH NORBERT RASSIER
Ralph Norbert Rassier was gently carried into heaven on angels wings, January 23,2021, in The Villages, Florida. His adoring wife Jan was at his side.
Ralph was born August 18,1946 in St Cloud Minnesota, to parents Irene (Barrett) Rassier and Norbert Rassier. He proudly told of being one of 7 brothers and sisters. All of them loved Ralph, and he maintained connections with them his entire lifetime. He was preceded to heaven’s gates by his parents, and brothers, Jerome and Jim, and is lovingly remembered in life by Don, Pat, Rose, LaVerne, and Norene, and all of the nieces and nephews and cousins in the Rassier family. He embraced Heather Jan ‘s daughter and was a proud Grandpa to her two boys, Brandon and Collin.
Ralph was a football fan and in his high school years at St. Cloud Tech, an outstanding player. If Ralph had the ball, you didn’t bother him, and if he wanted the ball, he got it., and if his team had the ball he made sure they kept it. He maintained his love of football, as he was well known as a Vikings fan.
Ralph served his country proudly in the US Army. His tour of duty took him to Vietnam. He directed helicopter support to ground troops and with some pride in his voice would tell of the commander for his post saying to him “well, SGT. Rassier, are you ready to take over your battalion?” For his dedication and sacrifice he was awarded the Bronze Star.
Ralph worked for Great Dane Trailers as a very successful salesman. He is fondly remembered by customers and coworkers even long after he retired
He met his wife Jan the night the US hosted the Soviet Union in the medal round of men’s Olympic hockey. The US won the gold medal and Ralph won Jan’s heart that first night.. They were married for 39 years always saying when people asked how long have they been married, “not long enough”.
They spent most of their life together in Naperville, Illinois and recently moved to The Villages Florida. There they could enjoy their friends, and neighbors, and of course be close to Disney World where he and Jan loved to visit.
Ralph and Jan were blessed with a son, Matthew who also preceded him in death. Ralph set up an endowed scholarship in the computer technology field at The College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, Illinois to forever honor his beloved son.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 12,2021, 8:30 AM at St Timothy’s Catholic Church, in The Villages, Florida. Jan has requested no flowers but instead please make a donation in Ralph’s memory to St Jude Children’s Hospital or the Poor Clare Nuns of St Clare’s Monastery, 421 4th St, Sauk Rapids, MN. 56379.
Ralph had a strong faith and his belief in our Heavenly Father was unwavering. He is in his Father’s house. And will be waiting for Jan to join him someday.
“ See you sometime”
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