Shirley Rita (Neal) RAMAEKER

RAMAEKER, NEAL, LARSON, GANT, CAMPBELL, LAAKE, MCLOUGHLIN, JACOBSEN, ZAHN, CHRISTENSEN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/20/2008 at 09:54:35

October 14, 1925 -- February 12, 2008

Shirley Ramaeker, an unforgettable woman

Shirley Ramaeker was an unforgettable woman. Her smile, generosity, and strong work ethic alone would make that true. But there is so much more. Never one to seek recognition, we share a few of her accomplishments as a way of celebrating what she stood for and believed in.

Shirley Ramaeker died February 12, 2008, literally in the arms of her 12 children. We held her, sang her favorite songs, prayed, laughed and cried. She was outspoken and beautiful to the end. She shared her big heart with anyone in need, far beyond extended family. First she was the greatest mother any one of us could hope to have. Secondly, after her husband Andy’s passing, she forged ahead continuing the family farm operation and the lifelong role of an agribusiness woman. She was oftentimes sought out for advice, and was an FFA Honorary Chapter Farmer. Her third career became Fareway at the young age of 62, working nearly every day, as it was just her way. She truly enjoyed every customer over the course of 20 years. She was the first woman to serve on the Humboldt County Conservation Commission, and received an Eagle Grove Chamber Working Woman of the Year award.

Perhaps what is most telling about Shirley’s spunk is that teenagers in Eagle Grove knew her, and spoke with her—she was 82—and some say that she could run circles around them! She strapped on snow skis for the first time at the age of 68; she kept track of her 44 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren with great interest; she enjoyed gardening and canning, often giving away the fruits of her labor; in her spare time, she helped Jina Rasmussen bake her special cakes.

She is survived by a brother, LeRoy Neal of Panorama City, Calif.; her 12 children, all from Iowa, Bonnie Larson of Des Moines, Lonnie Ramaeker (Judy) of Webster City; Mary Ann Gant (Steve) of Clinton; Dan Ramaeker (Jennifer) of Mason City; Carrie Campbell (Robert) of Eagle Grove; Rick Ramaeker of Creston; Deborah Laake (Mike) of Estherville; Thomas Ramaeker (Becky) of Knoxville; Cindy Christensen (Scott) of Goldfield; Marie McLoughlin (Brian) of Fort Dodge; Donna Ramaeker Zahn (Joe) of Johnston, and JoAnne Ramaeker Jacobsen of Dallas Center; 44 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Flora Neal, husband, Andy; and brother, Neal.

Thank you for any kind word spoken or any kind thought that you may have passed our way recently! That is exactly what Shirley’s life was about. ---- The Ramaeker Family

Funeral services were held Friday, February 15, 2008, at 9:30 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eagle Grove with Father Chris Podhajsky officiating. Any memorials given will be distributed to various charities. The Foust Funeral Home of Eagle Grove was in charge of arrangements.

Eagle Grove Eagle, Iowa
February 20, 2008