"Katie and Jacob...two of my most favorite kids - you were two of the finest kids I have ever known in my life! I remember our visits: Katie and Amanda disappearing to have their "girl time talks" and Jake and Jared doing their best to interrupt their sisters! We had such a wonderful time with your family in Muscatine! Your Dad was SO GRACIOUS and caring about others, be it their difficulties in life, or their awards and victories. He was, hands down, the finest man we ever knew! My heart goes out to you both. May your memories bring you blessed peace. And may you also know you both are still loved and talked about with great admiration and love. May you be comforted by your memories. Amanda, Jared, Brett, and I love you dearly, and ALWAYS WILL."
In loving memory of
Steven L. Ramsden
April 16, 1949 - March 3, 2023
STEVEN L. RAMSDEN
MUSCATINE, IOWA - Steven L. Ramsden, 73, of Muscatine Iowa, passed away from cancer in the comfort of his home on Friday March 3, in the loving care of his children, Jacob Ramsden and Kate Ramsden, and significant other, Sue Sontag.
Celebration of Life will be from 2 until 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the American Legion Muscatine Post 27, 110 Houser Street. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Steve was born on April 16, 1949, to Wesley and Dorothy Ramsden in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the youngest of three sons, which included Melvin and Wayne. After high school, Steve served in the United States Army in the Vietnam War as a radio operator. Steve married Peggy (Hogan) Ramsden in 1975 and graduated from Iowa State University. He spent most of his career as a microbiologist for GPC in Muscatine, Iowa, earning them multiple patents over the years. Peggy preceded Steve in death in 1983, and Steve showed his true talent as an amazing father to their two children, Kate, and Jacob, who have felt his unconditional love and support all throughout their lives.
Steve was an intelligent, witty, artistic, supportive, and loving person who had a diverse set of interests including eagle watching and antiquing with Sue, bushwhacking through the woods, Harley Davidson motorcycles, cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Cubs, playing with his grandson Zoren (Kate's son), and enjoying a good episode of Jeopardy. Later in life, Steve reconnected with his daughter Alison Keller, who had been adopted out, and the reunion brought the additional joy of two grandsons, Bjorn and Liam. Steve's visits with them took him to the remote Alaskan outback for the adventure of a lifetime. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A celebration of life will be held for Steve at a later date.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the amazing team at St. Croix Hospice who helped keep Steve comfortable in his final days.
Tributes
"Sue. Julie and I are sending our condolences. Steve has always been a top notch individual. Paul and Julie Null"
"Sue. We are sending you our deepest sympathy upon hearing of the loss of Steve. He was quite the guy and really enjoyed your visits with us up here in Wisconsin. You spent many good years together tackling many major projects, but the Good Lord said it was time for Steve to come home. Keep the faith and remember that our time here is short and precious, and that our lives together in heaven will be for eternity. Love always from your cousins, Terry & Kathy Thompson and Mary Pat Thompson "
"So sorry for your loss, Kate and Jake, grieve at your own pace, and celebrate all the good times. Jim and Judy Bosten"
"Kate and Jacob. I?m so sorry for your loss He was a great guy and Father to u guys. I have alway thought a lot of your family. I?m sure it was a great reunion for your Mom and Dad. Loved them both a lot. Steve and Barb Howard "
"Jake & Kate I am so saddened to see this. Your dad was a great guy and I loved hearing his updates on all of you when he came in for his haircuts. You all brought him so much joy! My heartfelt sympathy to all of you for your loss. ~Cindy Wagler"
"Kate and Jake so sorry to hear about Your Dad. Thoughts and Prayers going to You All. May God Wrap His arms around You All during this time. ~Leah~"