David J. Rampanelli

BESSEMER TOWNSHIP, Mich. - David J. Rampanelli, fondly known as "Ramp," 86, a long-time resident of Anvil Location, Bessemer Township, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning, March 6, 2016.

He was born Sept. 6, 1929, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Aldo and Catherine (Morrow) Rampanelli. Dave attended St. Sebastian Catholic School in Bessemer and was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church, where he served as an altar boy. Dave attended A.D. Johnston High School and graduated in 1947. While in high school, he played sports and was an all-state football player.

Dave enlisted in the U.S. Army on Aug. 10, 1948, proudly served his country, and was honorably discharged as a private first class on Aug. 9, 1949. For many years, he was in the Army Reserves and attained the rank of sergeant.

On June 10, 1950, Dave was united in marriage to Frances J. Probelski at St. Sebastian Catholic Church.

Dave was employed at A.O. Smith Corporation in Milwaukee. Next, he went to work as a machinist for Universal Machine Company in Anvil and Bessemer. Dave concluded his working career as a maintenance worker at Great Lakes Gas in Wakefield. He retired in 1990. Dave also did projects on various machines for the Steiger family in Bessemer.

Dave was a handyman and could fix anything, looked forward to puttering in his garage and always took time to help his neighbors and friends.

He was a faithful member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Ramsay and a supporting member of the Holy Name Society. He was a devoted member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church and a member of the American Legion Post 27 in Bessemer.

For more than 25 years, Dave played on the Old-Timers baseball team. In his free time, he coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. Dave enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid Green Bay Packers and Detroit Tigers fan.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Frances; a son, Bruce (Debora), Juneau, Wis .; two daughters, Pat (Jack) Malovrh, Wakefield, and Diane (Gary) Strelcheck, Olathe, Kan .; five granddaughters, Rebecca (Matt) Ludtke, Sarah (Andrew) Wroblewski, Erin (James) Helman, Kari (J.D.) Hillen and Katie (Brad) Smith; eight great-grandchildren, Sam, Theo, Jonah, Tenley, Logan, Grant, Gabby and Luke; numerous nieces and nephews; other loving relatives; and a host of friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, June 27, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, with the Rev. Antony Lukka, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer, with a military graveside service under the auspices of Bessemer American Legion Post 27 and Bessemer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673 Honor Guard.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff at Aspirus Grand View Hospital and Gogebic Medical Care Facility for their excellent care of Dave during his stay there.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.