Christian "Chris" Rasmussen

Christian (“Chris”) Erik Rasmussen, 72, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, May 6, 2023 after a year-long battle with leukemia at Novant Health in Huntersville, with his loving wife by his side.

Mr. Rasmussen was born July 8, 1950 in Albany, New York to the late Erik Rasmussen and the late Helene Rasmussen. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Joseph Drapala.

Christian was born in upstate New York and lived the early part of his life in the Town of Guilderland, NY. He was an avid outdoorsman and passionate about recreational activities including rock-climbing, hiking, and sailing. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1970 and was proud to serve his country. He was also passionate about aviation and earned his private pilot’s license while serving.

Chris met Janet Clayton when she was a student at UNC Chapel Hill in 1978 and they were married 3 years later in 1981. They enjoyed many years together exploring as a young couple, before they welcomed their children, Erika and Kyle, to the world.

He retired from the Marine Corps in 1990. He then enjoyed being his own boss (because “he didn’t want to take any more orders from someone else”) when he started his own business, Viking Turf, a landscaping company named for 2 of his passions - his Danish heritage and his love of the outdoors - which he ran for over 15 years until the mid-2000’s.

Chris and his family joined Advent Lutheran Church in 1995, where he remained active and enjoyed participating in Eastern North Carolina Via de Cristo and Kairos Prison ministries.

In his later years, he revived a passion for motorcycling. He could be found enjoying cross-country road trips on a bike or participating in a variety of different motorcycle groups, including the Iron Butt Association, Tour of Honor, and BMW Motorcycle Owners. He made countless friends through motorcycling.

More recently, he became a proud grandfather to his 2 granddaughters, Lillian and Audrey, who were the lights of his life.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 am - 10:45 am, Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Advent Lutheran Church. The memorial service will immediately follow at 11:00 am at Advent Lutheran Church in Charlotte and will be officiated by Pastor Ward Misenheimer. There will be a luncheon at the church to follow. All attendees are welcome.

Survivors include wife, Janet Rasmussen, of 41 years; daughter, Erika (Clay) Pixler; son, Kyle (Jessica) Rasmussen; sister, Seena Drapala; granddaughter Lillian (Kyle) Rasmussen; and granddaughter Audrey (Erika) Pixler.

Memorials may be made in Chris’ memory to Kairos Prison Ministry at FCI ( http://kairosprisonministry.org /; PO Box 1510, Huntersville, NC 28070) or to Advent Lutheran Church ( https://adventlu.org/ ; 8840 University City Blvd, Charlotte, 28213)

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Rasmussen family.