Jerold W. Ransdell 1919-2008

RANSDELL, ANDERSON, RADTKE, MORRISSEY

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 5/14/2008 at 13:38:43

Jerold W. Ransdell

Jerold Willis "Jerry" Ransdell, 88, of 1718 Diane Court, died at 5:45 a.m. Thursday, March 20, 2008, at Bethany Home.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 24, at First Congregation United Church of Christ, with the Rev. Dr. Ken Bickel and the Rev. Nancy Bickel officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 6. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday at the church. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is in charge of arrangements.

He was born on June 30, 1919, in Kearney, Neb., son of Irl and Clara Ransdell. He married Ardith Anderson on July 17, 1941, in Minden, Neb. He received his education in the Kearney Public Schools and also attended Kearney State College.

Jerry was a World War II veteran and served in Europe with the 97th infantry. Later, he served in Japan as a member of Occupational Troops.

Jerry and Ardith and their two oldest children moved to Dubuque in 1947, and they became members of First Congregation United Church of Christ in 1948. He served on many boards of the church throughout the years. Jerry and Ardith enjoyed the social activities of the church.

They were longtime members of Coyople Club, with Jerry serving as treasurer for many years. Jerry also was a member of the Spruce Up Group. Those men meet twice a month to do various jobs to keep the church in top condition.

He was a member of Kiwanis Club at one time, and he enjoyed working with young people of Key Club, which was sponsored by Kiwanis. He served on the board of directors of Bethany Home for a number of years.

Jerry and his wife were part of an exercise group. Long-lasting friendships developed from that fun activity.

He was employed at Federal Discount Corporation for 32 years. After that company was sold, he was employed at O'Connor and Brooks Accounting Firm. He retired from the workplace after five years.

For the next 2 1/2 years, he served as a member of the church staff, visiting those in nursing homes, and hospitals. He continued to visit shut-ins until very recently. Jerry was a "people person" and cherished many friendships.

Jerry also was a family man and he enjoyed being a father, a grandfather and a great grandfather. He looked forward to visits from family members.

Jerry and Ardith also enjoyed the many trips they took following his retirement. One of the most memorable trips was a 26-day European tour celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Ardith; their sons, Steve, of Baltimore, Md., Mark, of Dubuque, and Scott (Julie), of Omaha, Neb.; and daughters, Pam Radtke, of Kearney, Neb. and Lori Ransdell, of Bat Cave, N.C.; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Betty Morrissey, of Austin, Colo.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Dale and Eugene.

Copyright (c) Woodward Communications, Inc. 2008, All Rights Reserved. Dubuque Telegraph Herald, Saturday, March 22, 2008