Robert E. Ramsey

NEW BUFFALO - Robert E. Ramsey left this world for his heavenly home at Franciscan Health Michigan City, Indiana on May 1, 2023. He was age 90.

Robert was born October 2nd, 1932 in Vienna, Johnson County, Illinois, to the late Orval Lee Ramsey and Margaret E. Ramsey-Butler (née Thomas).

Robert was very grateful to have been raised by his late step-father Fred Butler. April 27th 1953 Robert was joined in Marriage to his life-long love, Barbara Jane Ritchie in Michigan City, Indiana. She departed life in 2009.

At age 18, He was drafted into the US Army completing basic training in Camp Chafee Arkansas and then, Camp Carson Colorado. He served the US Army in the 3rd Armored Division. While in the service, he took up boxing in the golden gloves, received training in movie projection, and supervised the battery armor.

Upon returning from service, he graduated, Tool & Die Engineering at Allied Institute in Chicago, residing in Lincoln Park, Illinois. He was later employed as a Supervisor for Tonn & Blank Construction Inc. He was a proud member of the Sheet Metal Union, retiring in 1995, and receiving an acknowledgment of 33 years.

Robert is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years: Barbara J. Ramsey (née Ritchie), parents: Orval L. Ramsey Sr. Margaret Butler, step-father Fred Butler, a brother Donald Ramsey, sisters: Annabelle Butler, Emmeline (Butler) Woodard of Michigan City, Indiana, a son Michael L. Ramsey & a daughter Linda K. Ramsey both passed in early infancy.

Robert is survived by his sister Joyce (Butler) Putz of Michigan City, Indiana. Robert is survived by six children: Robert G. Ramsey New Buffalo, MI, Jeffery A. Ramsey New Buffalo, MI, Timothy S. (Tena) Ramsey New Buffalo, MI, Gail L. (Victor) Prietto Three Oaks, MI, James E. Ramsey New Buffalo, MI, Susan R. Ramsey Michigan City. 17 Grand Children, 19 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great-Great Children. A half-brother Orval Ramsey Jr. (Georgene) resides in La Grange, Illinois.

A Grandson Mathew Ramsey passed in 2017. A Great-Grandson Jason Ramsey Jr. passed in 2011.

Robert had many hobbies. He enjoyed the outdoors, and loved fishing Lake Michigan and several area rivers. He also trained several hunting dogs. He was skilled at making fly-fishing rods and enjoyed watching professional boxing. In his younger years he worked as a mechanic, rebuilding car engines and was known for his hot rods in the early 1950's.

In his later years, he spent many hours gardening, landscaping, and doing home projects. As a neighbor, he could be counted on to lend a helping hand to his family, and friends in the community.

Robert was friendly to everyone he met. Having enjoyed many good years with his buddies who were also close childhood friends.

A great story teller. A dedicated father and grandfather. He showed, in many unselfish ways, His love, care, and concern for family.

Robert believed in and confessed Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior.

A private family graveside service will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery, in New Buffalo, Michigan.

He is dearly loved, and will be greatly missed by us all.