Obituary for Fred (Poppy) Rasmussen Jr Fred J. (Poppy) Rasmussen Jr., age 85, of Waupaca, WI passed away on Monday January 7, 2019 at Bethany Pines. Fred was born in New London on September 16, 1933, the son of the late Fred J. And Hannah (Hansen) Rasmussen. On December 11, 1954 Fred married Deborah Taber at the First United Methodist Church in Waupaca and she preceded him in death on March 7, 2006.
Fred is survived by his daughters: Brenda (William) Schnese, Dublin, Ohio and Stephanie (Douglas) Pohl, Waupaca and his five grandchildren: David Schnese, Dublin, OH, Alex Schnese (fiancé Hailey Fitzpatrick), Grandview, OH, Erik Schnese, Cincinnati, OH, Samuel Pohl, Waukesha, WI, and Nora Pohl (Regina Riggle), Fort Collins, CO. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Debby, and his wife Dora Albertie. He was also preceded in death by his sisters: Vera Gould, Viola Jenson, Marge Darrow, and brother Harley Nelson.
Poppy loved and cared for us all, his family, friends, and community for his entire life. Fred joined the City of Waupaca Police Department in 1955 and was appointed Chief of Police in 1958 until his retirement in 1988. Fred served 22 years with the National Guard, serving his last 10 years as Master Sergeant with 115th Security Police Flight at Truax Field.
Fred served his community in many roles: City Council, County Board, Police and Fire Commission, and Alderman for many years. Fred served many roles in the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officers Association for 46 years and was a cofounder of the WLEOA campground. Fred was a 30 year member of the Chiefs of Police Association, and 27 years with the North Central Chiefs Association.
Fred was a member of the Waupaca Masonic Lodge, the Beja Shriners, and Danish Brotherhood. Beginning at a very young age Poppy was always the entertainer. He was a great storyteller, historian, and accomplished musician.
He recorded 2 albums, copyrighted a song, performed at many music festivals and jam sessions throughout the US, and was inducted into the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame. He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. His greatest joys in life revolved around his wife, daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren, friends, and beloved cat Poo.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the loving care provided by Thedacare Oncology, Thedacare Hospice, Thedacare Waupaca, and Bethany Pines. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for The City of Waupaca Police Department museum and Thedacare Hospice. A memorial service for Fred will be on Saturday January 19 at 11 AM at the Holly Funeral Home Waupaca with Pastor Jeff Fletcher officiating.
Visitation will be on Friday evening from 5 PM to 8 PM and Saturday at 10 AM until time of service at the funeral home. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Fred (Poppy) Rasmussen Jr please visit our Sympathy Store. Upcoming Events Memorial Visitation , JAN 18.
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM A. J. Holly & Sons (Waupaca) 526 S. Main St P.O. Box 254 Waupaca, WI, US, 54981 hollyfuneralhome@charter.net www. hollyfuneralhome.com Order Flowers for the Memorial Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Fred (Poppy)’s Memorial Visitation begins. Memorial Visitation , JAN 19.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM A. J. Holly & Sons (Waupaca) 526 S. Main St P.O. Box 254 Waupaca, WI, US, 54981 hollyfuneralhome@charter.net www. hollyfuneralhome.com Order Flowers for the Memorial Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Fred (Poppy)’s Memorial Visitation begins. Memorial Service , JAN 19.
11:00 AM A. J. Holly & Sons (Waupaca) 526 S. Main St P.O. Box 254 Waupaca, WI, US, 54981 hollyfuneralhome@charter.net www. hollyfuneralhome.com Order Flowers for the Memorial Service Guaranteed delivery before Fred (Poppy)’s Memorial Service begins.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
