Milan Ramlet

Milan John Ramlet, 93, of Chippewa Falls, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Sunday, February 23 at Dove Healthcare West - Eau Claire, while under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

He was born on January 22, 1932 in Wausau, WI, to Milo and Thelma (Hanson) Ramlet. He graduated from Central High School in La Crosse, WI with the class of 1950.

John was an accomplished athlete throughout high school, earning varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball with All-City honors. He was also a self-taught springboard diver and speed skater. Upon graduation, John enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country for the next four years during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged, having achieved rank of Staff Sergeant.

Shortly after returning home, John met the love of his life, LaVonne Herlitzka. They were joined in marriage on October 11, 1958 at St. John's Congregational Church in La Crosse, WI. They welcomed three sons into the world: Thomas, Todd, and James. John supported his growing family by working in Production Control and Supervision at the La Crosse Rubber Mills. In 1966, the family relocated to Chippewa Falls, WI, where John continued his career in manufacturing as a production supervisor for Fabri-Tek, and later as foreman for Presto, Inc.

He also drove busses for Eau Claire Transit for the years leading into his retirement. In retirement, John served for five years as a driver for Chippewa County, transporting handicapped residents to the Chippewa Development Center.

Throughout his adult life, John remained active in sports while also supporting the athletic endeavors of his sons. He participated in many adult sport leagues over the years, including basketball, softball, bowling, and golf. He was a WIAA referee for 30 years, officiating both varsity football and basketball games throughout the Chippewa Valley. Additionally, John was an active member of the YMCA. True to Wisconsin nature, he was a lifelong fan of the Packers, Brewers, Bucks and Badgers.

John and his family became members of Central Lutheran Church shortly after arriving in Chippewa Falls, and his membership there lasted for the rest of his lifetime. He was active in church, serving in many different roles - ushering, singing in the choir and serving on the Building and Grounds Committee. John was a kind, humble, fun-loving and hard-working man. He loved the Lord, his wife, his family, and his friends; he was, indeed, a man with many friends.

John is survived by his sons, Thomas (Tammy) Ramlet, Todd (Jan) Ramlet, and James (Katie) Ramlet; grandchildren, Matthew (Amber) Ramlet, Kayla Ramlet, Cortney (David) Albricht, Michael (Kari) Ramlet; step-grandchildren, Kirsten (Adam) Wredberg, Laurissa (Steve) Brunk, Sarah Walz, and Caleb Walz; great-grandchildren, Jayce Ramlet, Sawyer Ramlet, Calla Albricht, Charlie Albricht, and Kaydence Ramlet; step-great-grandchildren, Owen and Sadie Wredberg; his sisters, Beverly Eifred, and Patricia La Rue; brother-in-law, Kenneth Herlitzka; and sister-in-laws, Helen Herlitzka and Mary Herlitzka; along with many other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, LaVonne Ramlet; his mother- and father-in-law, Mildred and John Herlitzka; brothers-in-law; Steven Eifred, and Roger La Rue, John Herlitzka, and Robert Herlitzka.

A funeral service will be held for John at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 14 at Central Lutheran Church with Pastor Aaron Sturgis officiating. A visitation will begin at 9 a.m. John will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Forest Hill Cemetery next to his wife, LaVonne. Military honors will be offered.

A very special thank-you from the family to all the dedicated nurses & nursing assistants at Dove Healthcare and St. Croix Hospice who cared for John during the past few years.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, you may make a memorial donation to the Wounded Warriors Project, or to Central Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Chippewa Falls is serving the family.

Please share your memories or condolences online at pedersonvolker.com.