Joseph A. Ransel

JOSEPH A. RANSEL Indianapolis, Indiana Age 99, passed away March 9, 2006, only a few hours before his 100th birthday. He was born to John A. and Anna M. Hite Ransel in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, on March 10, 1906. At age 10, his family moved to the then new town of Gary, Indiana where he spent over 50 years. After graduating from Emerson High School in 1924, he went on to achieve his architectural degree from Armour Technical Institute, now known as Illinois Institute of Technology. There, he was a member of Delta Tau Delta and president of the Interfraternity Council. He became the Assistant Superintendent of Maintenenance for Gary Works, from which he retired in 1971, with 49 yrs of service. He was admired and respected in his work, as he was in every aspect of his life. During his tenure at U.S. Steel, Gary Works was the largest producing steel plant in the world. He used his architectural skills to design the main building at Camp Goodfellow, and also managed the construction of Portage Middle School. After retirement from U.S. Steel, he enjoyed designing projects with an architectural firm in Michigan. In 1937, he married Patricia Lorimer of Chicago, who preceded him in death in 1967. He is survived by their children: Joseph Jr. (Maribeth) Ransel of Indianapolis, David (Therese) Ransel of Bloomington, Katherine Ransel of Seattle, WA and Elizabeth Ransel (Peter) Mavrelis of Hobart. Two sisters, Jane Ransel Collora of Indianapolis and Doris Ransel Hoffman of Western Springs, IL. In 1969, he married Katherine T. Melvin of Battle Creek, MI with whom he spent many years traveling the world and enjoying his later years. Katherine preceded him in death in 2004. With his marriage to Katherine, he was fortunate to add her two sons and their wives, William (Joyce) Melvin of Hickory Corners, MI and Leigh (Carol) Melvin of Drummond Island, MI to the family. He will be sorely missed not only by his children and step-children and their spouses, but also by his grandchildren and their spouses: Jeff (Julie) Ransel, Jame (Hilary) Ransel and Shairstin Ransel, all of Chicago, Annaliisa Ransel of Oakland, CA, Kristin Erdei (Arthur) Gross of Valparaiso and Laura (John) Lyon of Ontario, CA; great grandchildren, Julia and Susannah Gross of Valparaiso, and Lily and Andrew Ransel of Chicago; and step-grandchildren and their spouses, James (Amy) Milvin of Kalamazoo, MI, Laura Melvin of Ann Arbor, MI, Jenny (John) Rodriguez of Kalamazoo, MI and Jeremy Melvin, currently residing in Japan. Mr. Ransel greeted each morning cheerfully and with expectation. He was first and foremost a gentleman. He was an excellent student, a patient teacher to his children, a talented artist, an avid fisherman, and a great manager. He as a storyteller, whose tales were told with wit and perfect timing. He set the ultimate example for his family on how to grow old gracefully, never complaining about life's disappointments and pain, and always celebrated his relationships with family and friends. Mr. Ransel was a lifelong Roman Catholic and former member of St. Mary of the Lake Parish in Miller. A funeral mass in his honor will be held at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 8308 Taft Street, Merrillville on Friday, March 17, 2006, at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Joseph E. Vamos officiating. Burial to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Down Syndrome Association of NWI, 2927 Jewett Street, Highland, IN 46322. Burns Funeral Home, Crown Point Chapel in charge of arrangements.