John L. Ramsey Jr.

Manning American Legion Commander 1974-75.

John L. Ramsey Jr., son of John L. and Edna (Pfannkuch) Ramsey, was born February 4, 1946 in Manning, Iowa. He went to Manning school and graduated with the Class of 1965. He enlisted in the Air Force in August of 1965, took basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas, and took his tech school at Lowry AFB in Colorado. From there he went to Homestead AFB, Florida. In May of 1967, he left Homestead and went to Utapao, Thailand for one year. He returned in May of 1968 and then went to Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina where he was honorably discharged in January 1969. He received the Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, Viet Nam Service, Marksmanship Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

He has been a member of the Manning American Legion Post #22 for 36 years and VFW Post #3517 for 34 years. He served as Manning Legion Commander from 1974-1975, also served as chaplain.

John married Lois Oakley (MHS Class of 1965) in October 1966. They have two children, Todd and Renee. Todd (MHS Class of 1986) enlisted in the Air Force in 1985 under the delayed program and left November 1986. He is a MSGT. in the Air Force and is the Flight Chief of one of the largest ALS school's in the Air Force. He is married to Diane Keeton (born and raised in England), they have 2 daughters. Renee (MHS Class of 1988) is married to Rick Willenborg (MHS Class of 1984). They have 4 daughters and live in Manning. They farm and own Willenborg Repair Inc.

Following his graduation, Jack proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years, during which time he earned the Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. His service reflected his deep patriotism, a trait he carried with pride throughout his life.

On October 14, 1966, Jack married Lois Oakley at the First Presbyterian Church in Homestead, Florida. Together, they built a loving family, welcoming two children, Todd and Renee.

After his honorable discharge from the Air Force in January 1969, Jack returned to Manning and began working at Manning Heating and Sheet Metal, where he dedicated 11 years. He later joined Ramsey Transfer in Manning. In 1981, Jack took a leap of faith and started his own trucking business, specializing in hauling grain and steel, which he successfully operated for 15 years. Following this venture, he worked for the Manning Ag Center, Dedham CO-OP, and Twin Transfer in Manning.

With a quick wit and an ornery sense of humor, Jack brought smiles and laughter to everyone he met. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and had a deep love for traveling, especially when visiting his son, Todd, and his family during their postings across the world. Jack was meticulous in caring for his beloved garden, which he took great pride in maintaining, and he loved to tinker in his spare time. A proud patriot, Jack was a life member of the Manning VFW Post 3517 and a past commander of the Emil Ewoldt American Legion.

Jack passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Regency Park in Carroll, Iowa, at the age of 78 years, 11 months, and 24 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, John "Jack," Sr. and Edna Ramsey, and brother, Charles "Tub" Ramsey.

Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Lois Ramsey of Manning, Iowa; his son, Todd (Diane) Ramsey of St. Louis, Missouri; his daughter, Renee (Rick) Willenborg of Manning, Iowa; six granddaughters: Tanya (Chris) Pennells of Norwich, England, Becky Ramsey of St. Louis, Missouri; Roxy (Josh) Segebart, and Kendra (Adam) Brandt, all of Manilla, Iowa; Marissa (Jared) Vollstedt of Manning, Iowa; and Ericka (Coltan Lesle) Willenborg of Auburn, Iowa; 10 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Keith (Marilyn) Pfannkuch of Manning, Iowa; and Lynn (Kathy) Ramsey of Templeton, Iowa; as well as extended family and numerous friends.

Private graveside services with Military Honors will be held at Manning Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to the Manning VFW Hall for lunch and fellowship with the family from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025.
Ohde Funeral Home in charge of services.