Kandiah Ramalingam

Kandiah "Rama" Ramalingam departed this world on Friday, November 21st, 2025. His wife, children, and grandchildren will miss his devotion to loved ones, kind smile, and eagerness to laugh. Rama's life began in a small village of Sri Lanka which he secretly left to marry the love of his life, Lynn. They remained married for 55 years, virtually inseparable from each other to the last day. Rama built a career in banking, but together with Lynn, they founded a Montessori school 40 years ago (Ramalynn Academy), a special community of loving students, teachers and parents.

Rama loved golf with the guys, sports fandom and the occasional brandy in his younger days - but Rama lived for his family. Two boys, four grandchildren, and kept a soft spot for his two daughters-in-law. He made friends easily. Dogs loved him and babies quickly fell asleep on his "magic shoulder." During the first snowfall of each Winter, Rama would remark, "just like heaven."

He began his life on a farm, on a tropical island in the Indian Ocean. Yet, he spent most of his life in Minnesota, raising a family that he and Lynn built from nothing -- still in possession of the first dime he realized in America (literally). A truly remarkable journey that's difficult to imagine, but appreciated more than he could ever know.

Rama is survived by his wife Lynn, son (Krishna), daughter-in-law (Cassy), son (Ravi), daughter-in-law (Nichole), and grandchildren (Ryan, Lilly, Charlotte, Lucas).

A service will be held Sunday, November 30th at 1PM (Central). Due to capacity, limited attendance will be possible. However, a livestream of the event will be available on the website of Washburn McReavy funeral homes, www.Washburn-McReavy.com with replays available thereafter. Should anyone wish to make donations in his honor, please consider the ASPCA or your local humane society.