Donald C. Ramsdell
FRANKLIN GROVE – Donald C. Ramsdell, 95, of Franklin Grove, died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, at Franklin Grove Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was a lifelong farmer in the Franklin Grove area.
He was born April 18, 1917, in Franklin Grove, the son of Charles L. and Caroline E. (Herwig) Ramsdell. He served in the Army during World War II. He married Hildegard Emma Gantzert on May 7, 1950, in Sterling. She preceded him in death on Dec. 31, 1982. Donald was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Franklin Grove, Rock River Grange, and the Forreston Sheep Breeders. He raised purebred sheep for 80-plus years.
Survivors include two sons, Charles Ramsdell, and Paul Ramsdell, both of Franklin Grove; one daughter, Phyllis (Michael) Sutton of Dixon; one sister, Frances Lippert of Dixon; and two grandsons, Patrick and Donald Sutton.
Donald also was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister in infancy.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Revs. Myron Bartell, pastor, and Jack Briggs, officiating. Burial will be at Franklin Grove Cemetery.
Memorials have been established to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Franklin Preservation Area, Kreider Services in Dixon, and the Lee County 4-H Foundation sheep department.
Visit www.prestonschillingfuneralhome.com to send condolences.
