Theodore 'Ted' Ramp

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Theodore “Ted” Ramp, 80, of E-4424 Piilola Road, Ironwood Township, died on Monday, Dec. 21, 2015, at his home.

He was born Dec. 22, 1934, in Egg Harbor City, N.J., the son of Theodore Robert and Marie (Vessella) Ramp.

He attended Egg Harbor City High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952 at age 17. On March 18, 1964, he married Bonita M. “Bonnie” Ripley. He remained in the Navy during the Korean and Vietnam Wars until retiring with 23 years of service. During that time, he served aboard the USS Hollis APD 86, the USS Kliensmith APD 134, the USS Barry DD933, as a company commander at recruit training command, Great Lakes, Ill., and aboard the USS Kearsarge CVS 33.

Upon retiring from the Navy, he worked at Lake Forest Hospital and then as building superintendent for the Lake County Courts Complex, Lake Country, Ill. He retired in 1992 and moved to Ironwood to be near his wife’s parents. He worked part-time jobs in Ironwood for Modern Case, Care-a-van and Coach Services.

Ted served on the Gogebic County Conservation Board for six years and on the Midland Co-op Board of Directors for 15 years.

He also enjoyed gardening, the outdoors, taking pictures of scenery and wildlife, and working with his pictures on his computer. He took many pictures of people and made copies for whoever wanted them. He liked to help people and enjoyed being around people. Ted and Bonnie attended Zion Lutheran Church.

Ted is survived by the love of his life for the last 51 years, his wife, Bonnie; four daughters, Crystal L. Galavan, of Boonsboro, Md., Kathy J. Ramp, of Bullhead City, Ariz., Leanne (Dave) DePauw, of Round Lake, Ill., and Kelly (Ben) Derbes, of Mandeville, La .; his son, Larry (Jennifer) Shonfelt, of Kenosha, Wis .; many grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, William (Susan) Ramp, of Mays Landing, N.J .; his sister, Emily (Butch) Schelhaus, of Florida; a special brother-in-law, Robert L. Ripley, of Nelsonville, Wis .; and many nieces and nephews.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marie (Carl) Rottalini.

At Ted’s request, cremation has taken place and private family services will be held.

The family would also like to thank Pastor Kurt Kovanen, James Potter PA, Regional Hospice and Staff, Dr. Rocco, Dr. Villanueva, Gina, Mary, Carol, Karla and Alane, and many friends and neighbors who were a big help.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood and Hurley is assisting the family.

To view this on line or to send on line condolences, visit us at rangefuneralservices.com.