Eminent Homemaker
County: Mellette
Jan Rasmussen is a talented artist. She shares her passion with her children, grandchildren and neighbors. Her basement serves as a summer classroom for art lessons where she has taught music, painting and writing to children from the community.
Jan has been an active member of the Mellette County Historical Society, South Dakota State Historical Society, White River s Woman s club, United Methodist Church Choir, Mellette County Chamber of Commerce and the Order of Eastern Star. She is a long-time 4-H volunteer and supporter of SDSU Extension. She volunteers at the museum at least once a week, writes articles for the local newspaper, plays piano and sings in the choir at the United Methodist Church, and tells stories to preserve the heritage and history of Mellette County. Because of her efforts, the Mellette County Historical Society recently received the Governors Award in recognition of their contributions.
Jan has lived on the 33 Ranch since she was a young girl helping her father. She then attended South Dakota State University and moved back to the ranch and managed it with the help of her husband, Odeen Skee Rasmussen, who was recognized as an Eminent Farmer in 1998. She raised three children and managed two households, the ranch and their town home. Two of their three children now live at and manage the ranch.