In Memoriam
Walter (Walt) Rasmussen, 87
Feb. 25, 1934 – Jun. 14, 2021
On Monday, June 14, 2021, Walter (Walt) Rasmussen at age 87, left this earth for a much better place.
He was born February 25, 1934, in Queens, New York to Jack and Anna Rasmussen. Walter attended Milford Central School.
In his early working career, he assisted his father in the plumbing trades. Walter was always interested in electronics and for a short period of time had his own TV repair shop in Portlandville, NY.
Walter became a projectionist for local theaters including the Palace Theater in Oneonta, the Oneonta Theater, and the Del-Sego Drive-In Theater in Emmons, New York.
He was drafted by the United States Army in 1953 and spent time on the Korean Peninsula, being honorably discharged in 1955.
Walter was employed by Eastern Microwave where he traveled the northeast troubleshooting signal problems on top of mountains where microwave towers were situated. He had to be available 24/ 7 in all weather conditions to solve these problems.
During the time of his employment with Eastern Microwave, Walter and Albert Bagnardi established a local cable company known as “Portlandville Video”.
Walter was a member of the “International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees” Union.
After his retirement Walter established and owned the local Oneonta TV station “WISF TV 15”. The programming for the station was meant to highlight local news and events including the MDA Jerry Lewis Telethon which Walter loaned equipment and expertise so that Oneonta and surrounding area residents could participate and show their generosity.
Walter was predeceased in death by his father Jack and his mother, Anna, by his sister Helena and brother-in-law Bill Doheny, and by his brother in-law, John Arnold.
He is survived by his sister Eleanor Arnold and his brother William Rasmussen (Nancy). Walter has nieces and nephews, Athena Manley, Michael Henrikson (Jill) and Michelle Henrikson (Don), Suzanne (Jim) Figary and Stephen Arnold (Mystie), Lesa Bussmann (Dan) and Jeneé Rasmussen-Green (Ronnie). He also leaves great friends of his that he made throughout his stay on this earth.
A memorial service will take place on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 6 pm at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta. Calling hours will precede the service from 5-6pm.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of choice.
To leave a condolence for the family, visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.
