Wayne Ramsey

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Wayne Ramsey created a brilliantly colored mosaic of memories that will be lasting treasures in the hearts and lives of those he leaves behind. He was a man of great character and sound principle who called the same community his home throughout his entire life. Wayne was a true patriot and a man of faith who was completely devoted to the family he cherished. Life will never be the same without Wayne here, but the impact he made in the world around him will remain intact for years to come.

The decade that is often referred to as the Roaring Twenties was a time of great innovation and change within our nation as technology was taking us places we had never been. The Shimmy was the latest dance craze, motion pictures became available in both color and sound, and people came out to the ballpark in record numbers as greats like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth commanded the ball field. The year 1929 was a year to remember in our nation’s history as it was the year that witnessed the horrific crash of the stock market, sending America and much of the world spiraling downward into the clutches of the Great Depression throughout the decade that followed. This same year was a year to remember in the lives of one young couple from Herscher, Illinois, as they were overjoyed to welcome their baby boy into their hearts and home on July 13th. Baby Wayne was one of seven children born to his parents, Peter and Marie (Olson) Ramsey, and he was born and raised on the family farm alongside his three brothers, Clarence “Ike,” Elmer “Pete,” and Ray, and his three sisters, Grace, Clara, and Shirley. He attended local schools where he played basketball as a high school student.

New and exciting changes were in store for Wayne when he met the young woman with whom he would write a love story that would span more than 50 years. Her name was Marilyn Bauer, and they met on a blind date to the Chicago Theater in 1953. A relationship blossomed from there, and it wasn’t long before Wayne and Marilyn found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together he married his sweetheart on June 3, 1956, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Kankakee. Together they were blessed with two boys, Brian and Alan, and one daughter, Bonnie. From the moment he became a father Wayne completely embraced the enormity of the task. His boys always appreciated their father’s ability to joke around, keeping the mood light at times.

Throughout his life Wayne was never one to shy away from working hard. During the early 1950s the nation of Korea was engaged in the Korean Conflict, and in September of 1950 President Harry S. Truman declared that America’s participation was a vital part of containing the spread of communism. Like many other young men of his generation, Wayne served in the United States Army during this time.

With his duty to his country fulfilled Wayne returned home. He spent his entire career with Commonwealth Edison, beginning as a lineman and later working his way up to become a supervisor. Wayne retired after 41 and a half years of dedicated service. The family farm he was born on was not only the place he called home throughout his entire journey, but it was also the land he farmed as well.

Wayne’s life was enriched in so many ways in addition to the time he spent with his family. He was a member of Trinity FA Lutheran Church in Herscher for several years. Those who knew Wayne were well aware of his love for sports. For many years as a young adult he played softball for three separate teams, and he was also part of the company baseball team. Wayne was a huge fan of the Chicago White Sox and of the Bears, too. He paid close attention to local sports as well and was big supporter of Herscher High HO School. Wayne loved eating Norwegian food and even visited Norway on two separate occasions - once in 1953 and once in 1994. During their later years he and Marilyn enjoyed yearly visits to Branson, Missouri.

Described as a caring, hardworking, and dedicated, Wayne Ramsey was a gift in the lives of those around him. He lived an active life filled with so many of the things he loved. Wayne was a jokester who loved making sure that those around him loved life as much as he did. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Wayne E. Ramsey of Herscher, IL died at Riverside Medical Center ER on September 14, 2012. Wayne’s family includes his wife, Marilyn; two sons and daughters in law, Brian (Susan) Ramsey of Mundelein, IL and Alan (Tammy) Ramsey of Buckingham, IL; four grandchildren, Steven (Amy) Ramsey of Herscher, IL, Rachel Ramsey of Champaign, IL, Alyssa Ramsey of Calabazo, Panama, Adam Ramsey of Bloomington, IL. Wayne was preceded in death by his daughter, Bonnie; parents, Peter and Marie; 3 sisters, Grace, Clara, Shirley; and 3 brothers, Clarence (Ike), Elmer (Pete) and Ray. A gathering time will be on Monday, September 17, 2012, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Herscher, IL from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. up to the time of services at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Rodney Serbus will officiate. Burial will be in the Norwegian Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are for Trinity Lutheran Church or the Herscher Fire Department. Please visit Wayne's Memory Page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory photo or sign his guestbook.