Robert S. (Red) Ramsey, CMSgt USAF, Retired
June 6, 1935–September 9, 2016
Bob (“Red”) was born in Rochester, Minn., before the family moved to Preston, Minn., while he was in grade school. He attended and graduated from Preston High School in 1953 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, ultimately serving 31 years before his retirement in 1984. He married Louise Hanson of Lanesboro, Minn., in January 1954 and had three sons. They served at Lockbourne AFB, Ohio; Mountain Home AFB, Idaho; Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan and Offutt AFB, Nebr. He also served two tours in Thailand during the Vietnam War, at Ubon and Udorn Air Bases. His last of three tours at Offutt was spent on an inspection team, where he traveled to many of the AFBs across the world.
He received numerous commendations, ribbons and awards over his 31-year career, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Following retirement from the Air Force, he was employed by Boeing Military Airplane Co. until 1992. He was a longtime member of Thanksgiving Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Nebr., and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He suffered a long illness with Parkinson’s disease after a healthy, busy life until in his ‘70s.
Preceded in death by parents Ralph and Myrtle Ramsey, sisters Phyllis Conlan and Verna Ramsey. Survived by sons Steve (Kimberly), Scott (Susan) and Stuart Ramsey; grandchildren Kristin (Andrew) Kurzawski, Jessica, Robert and Christopher Ramsey; sister Muriel Hanson, brother Vic Ramsey, and many nieces and nephews.
Louise M. Ramsey
November 9, 1935–May 15, 2018
Louise was born, baptized, confirmed and raised in Lanesboro, Minn. She graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1953 and attended Winona State Teachers College that fall before marrying Robert S. (“Red”) Ramsey of Preston, Minn., in January 1954, shortly after he had enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. While Red was on active duty across the USA and SE Asia, she frequently filled the role of head of household, while also working outside the home. She enjoyed working as a bookkeeper at the Offutt AFB NCO Club, as an executive secretary and at the Small Business Administration before graduating from the University of Nebraska Omaha, with a Bachelors Degree in Business in 1980. She went on to work at the IRS and finally as a realtor before retiring and enjoying golf, bowling and her grandchildren. She was also a longtime member of Thanksgiving Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Nebr. She suffered a relatively short illness with lung cancer after a healthy, busy life until into her ‘80s.
Preceded in death by husband Robert S. Ramsey, parents Olger and Dagny Hanson. Survived by sons Steve (Kimberly), Scott (Susan) and Stuart Ramsey; grandchildren Kristin (Andrew) Kurzawski, Jessica, Robert and Christopher Ramsey.
A celebration of life luncheon for both Robert and Louise will be held 12-2 p.m. Friday, August 3, 2018, at the Preston Servicemen’s Club.
The inurnment service will be held following the Celebration of Life luncheon at 3 p.m. Friday, August 3, 2018, at the Southeastern Minnesota Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn.
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