Dr. Richard “Doc” Rasmussen, 97, of Turlock, passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2025. Known for his wisdom, wit, and compassion, Doc lived a remarkable life rooted in service, family, community, and an enduring passion for knowledge and hard work.
Born on Valentine’s Day, 1928, in Hawthorne, California, Richard was raised in nearby Lawndale. He developed a strong work ethic while farming alongside his grandfather each afternoon after school. In high school, he found his passion in the trades—excelling in auto shop, wood shop, welding, machine shop, and mechanical math. After graduating, he attended a trade school for mechanics, where he earned national recognition by winning a competition for diagnosing and fixing automotive problems the fastest. He began his professional career as a machinist at Douglas Aircraft.
In 1950, Richard met the love of his life, Marjorie. They married and soon started their family. While raising children and working full-time, Doc decided to pursue a calling in medicine. He returned to school and excelled in all of his pre-med coursework, ultimately being accepted to the California College of Medicine (now part of UC Irvine), where he earned his M.D. in 1963. He completed his internship at Los Angeles County General Hospital.
After completing his training, Doc and Marge relocated with their six children to Gustine, California. There, he built a family medical practice serving the Gustine and Newman communities for over 15 years. He became known as a true small-town physician—making house calls, delivering babies, performing surgeries, and offering genuine care to his patients. In 1980, the family moved to Turlock, and Doc opened a solo medical practice in Hilmar. As the only practicing physician in Hilmar for 11 years, he continued to provide deeply personal care while on staff at Emanuel Medical Center. He reluctantly retired in the early 1990s, always expressing that what he appreciated most about family practice was the diversity of cases and the joy of delivering the next generation.
Outside of medicine, Doc lived life to the fullest. He was a farmer at heart, farming trees and cattle and always working on trucks and tractors. He was also a pilot and spent many days flying, fishing, and hunting—especially in Alaska. He and Marge were active in community organizations, fundraisers, social dances, and volunteer efforts. After retirement, Doc devoted significant time to the Masonic Lodge. Raised as a Master Mason in 1953, he went on to become a Past Master of the Turlock Lodge, received the Hiram Award, and was honored with his 50-Year Pin.
Above all, Doc was devoted to his family. He and Marge shared 73 loving years of marriage. He cherished family gatherings—especially barbecues—and took great pride in watching his grandchildren grow into adults. Even in his final years, Doc could be found tinkering in the garage, caring for his home, and above all, caring for Marge until her passing.
Doc is preceded in death by his beloved wife Marjorie and son-in-law Tom McGowen. He is survived by his six children Rick (Becky) Rasmussen, Sue McGowen, Mike (Dana) Rasmussen, Paul (Kate) Rasmussen, Sandi (Roger) Acquistapace, Salli (Jim) Daniels, eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren His life was a testament to resilience, curiosity, service, and love.
A celebration of Doc’s life will be held on: Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Turlock Masonic Lodge 11:00 am. Remembrances can be directed to Turlock Masonic Lodge All are welcome to attend and honor his memory.
