Lars "LeRoy" Rasmussen

MALTA- An old cowboy crossed over the divide. Lars "LeRoy" Rasmussen, 81, passed away of natural causes August 12, 2016. Graveside services will be September 10, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Zortman Cemetery with a reception to follow. Cremation has taken place. Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com

LeRoy as he was known was born December 30, 1934 to Lars and Irene (Tremblay) Rasmussen. LeRoy was raised in Zortman and left home at the age of 13, when he started working for local ranchers and riding broncs. He enlisted in the Air Force, on February 20, 1956 and received his GED while serving his country for four years.

After his honorable discharge, he returned to Great Falls and went to work for the Anaconda Company. He leased a ranch between Ulm and Cascade, ranching was his passion. During this time he lost his leg in an industrial accident, which never slowed LeRoy down. Continuing to work his job, ranch, and raise his family. After several years living in Ulm, he returned to Zortman and began working for Degerstrom Mining Company driving truck, continuing on with the Pegasus Gold Mining Company until they went out of business. At this time he returned to ranching full time. He moved to Malta and continued to raise cattle and breed horses, until being physically unable to continue the life he loved. He then moved into the Hi-Line Retirement Center.

LeRoy wore many hats throughout his life, dad, grandpa truck driver, farmer, rancher, bronc rider and friend to all. His last hat was being the official "greeter' at Hi-Line Retirement Apartments, wearing his black cowboy hat, boots, western shirt, and vest and sitting in his scooter smoking a cigarette! He had a smile for all and was ready to visit. LeRoy always had a garden and flowers and he continued that at the Hi-Line raising tomatoes, hot peppers, and flowers, with nary a weed!

LeRoy is survived by his children Roy (Gina) of Helena; Sandy (Ryse) of Grand Junction, Colo., Marjie of Lewistown, Heidi of Grand Junction Colo., and Joseph (Julia) of Bozeman. Seven grandchildren, Chase, Tucker, David;Heather, Kiah; Addison and Grady; seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Edwin (Paula) Rasmussen of White Sulphur Springs.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lars and Irene, two brothers, Wilford (Gopher) and Carl (Cutter).

R.I.P. Dad, Grandpa, friend to all-stranger to none! Any memorials will be sent to the Cowboy Crisis Fund, please contact Kirkwood Funeral Home for address where to send memorials.