Obit: Rammer, James A. (1936 - 2006)

Transcribed by: Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Rammer, Bratsch, Franzen

---Source: Foto News (Merrill, Lincoln County, Wis.) Wednesday, 18 Oct. 2006; page 10

---Rammer, James A. (1 May 1936 - 15 Oct. 2006)

James A. Rammer

In the early morning hours of Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006, the family said their final good-byes to their loving husband, father and pa-pa, James A. Rammer.

Jim was born May 1, 1936, in Antigo. He was the doting husband of 45 years to Ginny, proud father of Cindy (David) Bratsch, Bryan (Maria), Theresa Rammer, and Dawn (Scott) Franzen. He was the incredibly proud pa-pa of Ryan, Matthew, Eric, John, Jackson, Alex, Nick, Tyler and Logan.

All who have been blessed with knowing Jim will be forever touched by his gracious manner, the selfless way in which he gave to everyone, and the pure joy and happiness that he felt towards life and that spirit which he shared with everyone.

Jim joined the Army after graduating from Antigo High School in 1957. After serving in the Lebanon conflict, he came home and married the love of his life, Virginia Cejka, on Oct. 7, 1961. They had four children together and successfully passed on a spirit of love and strength of family to that next generation. Jim was very cherished by his children throughout their lives and they will continue to pass on to their children the loving parental manner and friendship that Jim and Virginia have shown them.

Jim and Ginny recognized the blessings of their children's and their grandchildren's lives.The sweet memories of hunting and fishing, family reunions, times in Mountain and at Grindle Lake, will never be forgotten. They won't forget the cotton candy and other goodies from the C&R concession stand that were a fun treat grandma and pa-pa shared in abundance with the children. They will also remember mother's relief once the "damn stand" was sold.

There was no better time of the year than the Christmas season. Jim sold Christmas trees for many years from his home, not for the money, but as a way to spread joy at the most glorious time of the year. As one of Santa's helpers, he brightened many parties and family gatherings by walking into the room, his deep voice exclaiming, "Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!" Many children confided to him what their Christmas wishes were and he loved each and every one of them.

Jim's friends were his extended family and he enjoyed them thoroughly. The Rammer house always had an open door and welcomed all-whether it was to lend a shoulder to cry on, share in a joyous event, play a hand of cards, host a holiday party, or simply shoot the breeze about the day's events.It was also the home of the "Kissing Bandit," which the ladies of Merrill will never forget. He belonged to the Noon Lions, Eagles Club and Knights of Columbus, because he believed in giving back and helping others. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill for many years and had a strong faith in God. His buddies in the Garden Club, his fellow Yedi-hunters, his cribbage-playing pals, friends from Mountain, and friends from his years at GTE and from the Center Ave. neighborhood have lost a great companion and a loyal buddy.

Visitation is tonight, Wednesday, 4-8 p.m. and on Thursday, Oct. 19, 9-11 a.m. at the Waid Funeral Home, Merrill. There will be a funeral mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill on Thursday at 11:30 a.m.

We love you. There was no better father or husband. You will live forever through us and our children. We thank God for blessing us with you.

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