Robert Charles Ramaker

Robert Charles Ramaker, 88, of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away quietly in his sleep on Sunday morning, October 12, 2014 at River Hills Assisted Living in Keokuk. Bob was born on New Year's Day, January 1, 1926, on his family's farm in Preston, Minnesota, to Fredrick and Mabel Daws Ramaker. On December 30, 1950, he married Glenna Audrey Miller in Leroy, Minnesota. They enjoyed 63 years together, Survivors include his wife, Audrey, and two sons, Gary (Marsha) Ramaker of Keokuk, and Robert (Deanna) Ramaker of Granbury, Texas; three grandsons, Jason (Kate) Ramaker of College Station, Texas, Andrew (Michelle) Ramaker of Winfield, Illinois, and Rob Ramaker and Marcie of San Benito, Texas; one granddaughter, Jamie (Kevin) Kimble of Plano, Texas; eight great-grandchildren, Bobby, Ben Reid, Ethan, Bryant , Nariyah, Gianni, Maliah, and a much anticipated great-grandson to be born in November. Also two brothers, Berton (Ardith) Ramaker of Rochester, Minnesota and Allen (Ruth) Ramaker of Mission, Texas, one sister, Shirley Chelsvig of St. Paul, Minnesota, and a sister-in-law, Marie Ramaker of Dexter, Minnesota, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, t...[more]

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brothers, Wayne and Delmar Ramaker, and one sister, Bernice Banko. Bob graduated from the eighth grade, but after being discharged from the Army, he was granted an honorary high school diploma from Cresco Iowa High School. He served in the Army, as a Tech 5, stationed in the European Theater from January 26, 1944 to April 20, 1946 in the 89th Infantry (Rainbow) Division. Bob was short-tracked and sent to Europe traveling through France, Belgium, and Germany, where he became an artillery scout. On a daily basis, he would exchange pleasantries with the German soldiers he was fighting from foxholes. His close buddy was killed when he was shot in the throat standing right next to him. Bob was wounded after taking mortar shrapnel in his leg. He was patched up in a field hospital and sent back to the fighting. He received the Purple Heart for his wound. He also was awarded a Bronze Star for his action in the Battle of the Bulge, and also received the Combat Infantry Badge for being in four major battles. He was listed as "Missing in Action" for eleven days after being overrun by the enemy during the Battle of the Bulge. He and another soldier survived by hiding in the basement of a house, which was occupied by German soldiers, and wasn't aware until he emerged that his whole platoon had been killed except for them. Bob joined another group of American soldiers, marching across Germany. He was involved in the liberation of Dachau, a concentration camp. The Germans had left, but the American soldiers had to shoot the guard dogs to free the prisoners. This was one of the most poignant moments of Bob's Army career. Seeing the malnourished prisoners and freeing them was a moment he would remember for the rest of his life. Bob worked as a production worker at Dryden's (Shellor Globe) for 38 years, retiring in 1961. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and Evangelical Free Church. He truly enjoyed and cherished the times he spent with his family. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports, participating in their involvement in school activities, and having his family visit him in his home. His family dearly loved him and will miss him. Visitation will be Monday, October 13th, from 6-8:00 P.M. at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center at 917 Blondeau Street. A celebration of his life will be Tuesday, October 14th, at DeJong-Greaves at 11:00 A.M. Burial with military rites will be in Keokuk National Cemetery.