Orren K Ramsey

   Orren Kenneth, son of Charles and Bessie (Johnson) Ramsey, was born March 12, 1919 in Manning, Iowa. He grew up on a farm west of Manning until 1936 when the family moved into town. He completed the ninth grade in Manning Schools. He later completed his GED.

   Orren was united in marriage with Fern Marie Jensen on February 23, 1938 at the Presbyterian parsonage in Carroll. They made their home in Manning. He entered the United States Army Air Corps on March 22, 1944. After basic training, he boarded the Queen Mary transport ship for France with 20,000 other men. He left behind his wife and young daughter. Orren started in the 26th Infantry Division in Europe where he was wounded twice. He then became part of a ground crew for the 9th Army Air Corps. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge against the last major German offensive of World War II. He completed his service guarding German prisoners of war in northern Europe. Orren attained the rank of Corporal and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Medal. After his honorable discharge on February 20, 1946 he returned to Manning and another daughter was born.

   Orren began trucking with his father and brothers and worked for the Manning Creamery Company as long as he was able. Then in 1969 he began working for the City of Manning on the street crew and digging graves. He retired in 1984 and he and Fern continued to live in Manning. During retirement Orren thoroughly enjoyed driving school bus.

  Orren was a member of the United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees for nearly 20 years. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; American Legion (Past Commander) and Manning Volunteer Fire Department.

    Fern died in 2000 and Orren moved to the Terrace Apartments. He walked all over town taking pleasure in visiting with many of his friends. In July 2016 he became a resident of the Manning Plaza Nursing Home. Orren died there peacefully early June 9, 2017 at the age of 98 years, 2 months and 27 days.

   Preceding Orren in death are his wife; parents; brothers Edward Ramsey (Delores), Ralph Ramsey, Mayburn Ramsey (Phyllis), Jack Ramsey (Edna); and sisters Nancy Ramsey, in infancy, Juanita Boeck (Hugo), Edna Peters (Orla), Thelma Hodne (Arlo), Bernice Laverty (Charles), and Mary Ramsey.

    He is survived by his two daughters Noreen Kay Rutherford (Ray) of Manilla and Rebecca Sue Macke (Gary) of Audubon; 5 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; sister in law Mildred Ramsey of Carroll; other relatives and many, many friends.

Reverend Vicki Fisher, Officiating

                                             Music 

“He Touched Me”         “Just As I Am”

“How Great Thou Art”

JoAnn Karsten and Georgia Lohrmann, Vocalists

JoAnn Karsten, Accompanist

Kerry Rutherford    Kevin Rutherford

Kyle Rutherford    Christopher Shaw

Brendan Rutherford    Justin Rutherford

Tami Anderson    Tina Madsen