Robert G. Ramstad, 95, Gary, MN, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021 at Benedictine Care Community in Ada, MN.
Robert, the son of George and Emma (Ohman) Ramstad, was born on November 8, 1925, in Crookston, MN. Bob grew up in Crookston and graduated from Central High School in 1943. While in high school he was active in band, choir, and orchestra. He was also on the music council. Following high school, in September 1944, Bob was drafted into the United States Army. He served in World War 2, overseas in Japan, until November 1946.
Following his time in the service he attended the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, completing a degree in Industrial Arts Education.
On December 28, 1950, Bob married Gloria Sunderland in Crookston, MN. Bob and Gloria made their home in Gary, MN. Their union was blessed with six children, Darlene, Ann Marie, Karen, Laurie, Robert, and James. Bob started his career at the Gary Public Schools as an Industrial Arts teacher. During his 40 plus years in Gary, in addition to teaching shop, he served as band, marching band, and choir director, guidance counselor, and driver’s education instructor. After completing his master’s degree, he became principal of Gary Public Schools until his retirement. In addition to his employment at school, Bob served as mayor of Gary for many years and was a part owner of a tv/radio/appliance repair business.
Bob was a wonderful dad, playing practical jokes and creating stories to captivate his kids’ attention. Together with Gloria, their house was filled with love and many pets; cats, dogs, birds, a chipmunk, turtles, and many strays.
Bob was very social. Whether at their home in Gary or at the lake, everyone was welcome! Time spent at their cabins, first on Roy Lake, and later on Big Elbow Lake, was his passion. Snowmobiling, fishing, pontooning, four wheeling, motorcycling, campfires, watching sunsets, and the moon rising, filled his time. Learning to water ski on his watch, whether family or family friends, was a must! He loved classical music, dating back to his high school days, and passed this onto his children. Bob enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings and the Twins. UND hockey was his all-time favorite sport. He was a lifelong Sioux fan and season ticket holder for many years.
Robert is lovingly remembered by his children; daughters, Darlene (Doug) Sandstrom, Longville, MN, Ann Marie (Bruce) Kindseth, Big Elbow Lake, MN, Laurie (Jon) Stein, Sauk Centre, MN; sons, Bob (Cindy) Ramstad, Ada, MN, and Jim (Shelly Brunner) Ramstad, Mahnomen, MN; 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and sister in law, Shirley Ramstad.
Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Gloria; daughter, Karen Leigh; parents, George and Emma Ramstad; his sisters, brother, brothers in law and sister in law; and loving friends, Ann and Rueben Airhart.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Benedictine Care Community of Ada, Hospice of the Red River Valley, or Gary Lutheran Cemetery.
Funeral: 1:00 PM, Monday, March 8, 2021 at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home in Ada, MN, with a maximum capacity of 50 percent occupancy, following all of the Minnesota and CDC COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. All must wear a mask to attend.
Visitation: A walk through public visitation will be held on Sunday, March 7, 2021 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home,
in Ada.
Interment: Gary Lutheran Cemetery, Gary, MN.
