Mark Rasmus, president of Tomahawk Development, shared his knowledge with many.

“There are few individuals I’ve learn more from than Mark,” said George Lathrop, who worked with Rasmus at Tomahawk Development.

Rasmus, 62, died of kidney cancer Sept. 25 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Lathrop said Rasmus was synonymous with Tomahawk Development and spent 24 years with the company.

“It started a little before him, but he took over the reins and grew it into what it is today,” Lathrop said. “Mark was one of the most caring individuals. He was always looking out for not only the properties’ but the tenants’ best interest. He was always concerned if the tenant was happy with where they were.”

From left: Alison Rasmus Krieger (daughter), Markus Rasmus (son), Mark and Kay Rasmus (wife).

Rasmus was involved in a number of organizations, including the Ohio and Toledo Board of Realtors, the Lucas County Improvement Corporation (LCIC), the Arrowhead Park Association and the Arrowhead Architectural Committee.

“I can say, in the last 10 years everything I learned, I learned from him” said Adam Kral, who took over for Rasmus as chairman of the Arrowhead Architectural Committee in 2001.

“I think he was the most genuine person I ever met. He was very generous. When he was part of the group you were definitely aware he was there; he made everyone feel welcome.

“Mark was just fun to be around and very active and passionate about whatever he was doing at the time,” Kral said.

At LCIC, Rasmus provided leadership as a member of the executive committee, said Ford Weber, president and CEO of LCIC.

“As with everything in his life, Mark went above and beyond the normal ‘call of duty.’  Whether it was helping us evaluate new office space, recommending decor and signage, engaging in strategic planning or pinch hitting to chair meetings, Mark was always there for our organization,” he said. “We will miss his principled leadership, dedicated service and enduring optimism.”

In addition to professional organizations, Rasmus was passionate about his involvement with Partners in Education, his son Markus said.

“Education was very important to him. [Partners in Education] happened to be a way that he could give back to the community and, hopefully, make things better for some kids that don’t have all the resources that other schools have,” Markus said.

As board member for seven years and a president for the past four, Rasmus was able to help raise funds for scholarships and pair businesses with schools, said Eileen Kerner, executive director for Partners in Education.

“He had a great heart for the under-served students. He wanted to know their academic achievement and made that the No. 1 priority,” she said.

Rasmus was also a dedicated sports fan and loved living in Toledo, Markus said.

“He would go to any sporting event­­­— high school football, basketball, high school hockey was his favorite, Ohio State football games, UT football games. He had season tickets to the Red Wings, the Walleye, the Mud Hens,” Markus said. “He didn’t play golf or anything thing like that. Going to sporting events was his thing.”

Rasmus is survived by his wife Kay, children Alison Kreiger and Markus, and his sister Carolyn Rasmus.

Tags: Mark Rasmus, Tomahawk Development

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