Raymond J. Rasmussen
Mr. Rasmussen, 82, of Freehold Township, died July 20 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Born in Freehold, he had lived in the Freehold area all his life. Prior to retiring, he was a data analyst for the New Jersey State Police in West Trenton for 36 years. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, 8th Air Force, as a navigator and bombardier, and was discharged with the rank of first lieutenant. He flew 35 missions over Europe aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters. After the war, he served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 54 and Elks Lodge No. 1454, both of Freehold. Mr. Rasmussen was predeceased in 1995 by a daughter, Linda Rae Cox. Surviving are his daughter of 57 years, Dorothea Simmons Rasmussen; two sons, Raymond J. Rasmussen Jr. of Sewell and Eric W. Rasmussen of Lakehurst; a brother, Lawrence Rasmussen of Howell; a sister, Grace Engeldt of Delaware; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold, followed by interment at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Freehold Township.
Michael J. Witkosky
Mr. Witkosky, 62, of Matawan, died July 20 at St. Barnabas Hospice, Long Branch. Born in Rahway, he resided in Connecticut before moving to Matawan. Mr. Witkosky was a courier for Sovereign Bank, Princeton. He served with the U.S. Air Force during peacetime. He was predeceased by his father, Michael Witkosky. Surviving are his mother, Helen Czmyr Grzywinski of Matawan; his stepfather, Joseph Grzywinski of Matawan; a brother, Martin Witkosky of California; his companion of 20 years, Joyce Pedone of Howell; two nieces and one nephew. The Day Funeral Home, Keyport, was in charge of arrangements.
Peter P. Shatkus
Mr. Shatkus, 91, of Freehold, died July 21 at Geraldine Thompson Care Center, Wall Township. Born in Newark, he had lived in Freehold for more than 70 years. Prior to retiring, he was a supervisor for Naval Weapons Station Earle, Colts Neck, and had previously been employed at the A&M Karagheusian rug mill in Freehold. He was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, Freehold, and a member of the St. Rose of Lima Senior Citizens Club. He was also a past president of the Freehold Lithuanian Club. Mr. Shatkus was predeceased by his first wife, Marjorie Shatkus, in 1964, and his second wife, Barbara Shatkus, in 1984, as well as a grandson, Peter James Shatkus. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Frederick P. and Christine Shatkus of Freehold Township; a daughter and son-in-law, Ellen and Harley Pretty of Milford, Conn.; a stepdaughter and her husband, Marge and David DeVitis of Howell; nine grandsons; several great-grandchildren; and his longtime companion, Bess Conover. The funeral liturgy was celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, followed by interment at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Freehold Township. Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold, was in charge of arrangements.