Peter “Pete” Ramstad, 77, passed away Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Riverview Hospital with his family at his side.
Pete was born on June 28, 1947, in Crookston, MN to Chester and Emma (Locken) Ramstad. Pete graduated from Crookston Central High School in 1965. In 1966 he enrolled at the University of Minnesota Technical Institute (now the University of Minnesota, Crookston) graduating with the first graduating class in 1968.
Pete continued working at the family business, Ramstad’s Hardware, until it closed. He joined the Crookston Fire Department in 1974 where he worked for 25 years, retiring in 1999. In the fall, Pete worked harvest for the Harvey Boucher farm. His daughters loved riding with him in the trucks, bringing their lunches to eat while riding. He also served on the Crookston Police Reserve.
On July 9, 1977, Pete and Patricia (Trish) were united in marriage at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston where they built their life together. They were blessed with two daughters, Christina and Michelle.
Pete was active in the community and always ready to assist anyone in need. He was a member of the Jaycees; Chamber of Commerce, where he served as president in 1974; the Washington School PTA, serving as president; and the Eagles Aerie 873.
He received several awards for his service. He was awarded the 35-year award for organizing the Annual Alumni Hockey games and social. He was presented the Outstanding Volunteer Award by the City Council. Additionally, Pete was recognized with the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Civic Service Award and the Eagle of the Year Award.
Most of all, Pete loved his family and enjoyed every minute he was able to spend with them. When his children and nieces and nephews were young, every Sunday in the summer he spent hours pulling them behind the boat, water skiing, and tubing. Holidays were always special times for him. He listened to KROX radio station daily and knew everything that was happening in Crookston. He especially enjoyed listening to the CHS sporting events. He enjoyed supporting his granddaughter’s volleyball team and was looking forward to the upcoming year where he would have two granddaughters playing as “Pirates”.
Pete is survived by his wife, Patricia (Trish) Ramstad; daughters, Christina Ramstad of Crookston, and Michelle along with her husband Adam Beeghly of Crookston; grandchildren, Emmagail Frantz, Ali Beeghly, and Mya Beeghly. Also surviving are his sister and brother-in-law, Dianne and Cort Fergusson of Bloomington, MN and brother and sister-in-law, Tim and Rhonda Ramstad of St. Cloud, MN; brother-in-law, Larry Regan; sister-in-law, Jane Regan, brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Shawn Regan, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dennis and Debbie Regan all of Crookston; and a very special neighbor and friend, Winston Johnson along with many nieces and nephews.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Emma and Chester Ramstad; sister, Anita Hillestad; parents-in-law, Gale and Lorraine Regan; brother-in-law, Jerry Regan.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00pm followed by a prayer service at 7:00. Pete’s family will celebrate his life with a funeral mass on Tuesday April 8, 2025, at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception beginning at 2:00pm. Visitation with the family will be one hour before the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Crookston Firefighters Association Scholarship Fund, The Cathedral or the Crookston Pirates Boosters.
These events will be livestreamed at www.stenshoelhouske.com
