Willard E. Ramsay

Portage – Willard E. Ramsay, age 96, passed away on Tuesday, November 1, 2016, at Our House in Portage.

Willard was born on November 27, 1919, in Portage, the son of Robert and Lydia (Isberner) Ramsay. He proudly served his country as a First Lieutenant during World War II as a member of the US Army 29th Infantry Division. Willard married Ruth Butzlaff on August 3, 1946, and worked as a conductor for Milwaukee Road Railroad for over 45 years. Willard also owned and operated Ramsay’s Bait Shop for many years. He loved to hunt, fish, travel and spend winters in Arizona. He had a cottage in Tomahawk for 26 years and enjoyed the outdoors and his Springer Spaniel dogs. Willard was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, the American Legion, the VFW, and Portage Rod and Gun Club.

He is survived by his children, Linda (Kenneth) Grotzke of Janesville and James (Judy) Ramsay of Portage; 5 grandchildren, Kevin (Amy) Grotzke of Onalaska, Jodi (Marc) Brown of Janesville, Jenny (Tom) Dickman of Menomonie, Todd (Barbara) Grotzke of Charlotte, NC, Jeff Ramsay of Portage; 6 great-grandchildren, Alex Grotzke of Onalaska, Sydney Dickman of Menomonie, Jacob Brown of Janesville, Allison Dickman of Menomonie, Camryn Grotzke and Lucas Grotzke, both of Charlotte, NC; 3 nephews, Robert (Carol) Kiggens of Portage, Marvin (Candy) Ramsay of Onalaska, Richard (Mary) Ramsay of Minneapolis, MN; 1 niece, Rosemary (Ken) McTier of Portage, other relatives and many friends. Preceding Willard in death were his parents; his wife, Ruth; brother, Marvin Ramsay; and sister, Margaret Kiggens.

Funeral services will be held at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. with Chaplain Brian Chapman officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Portage Area Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Columbia County Humane Society, N7768 Industrial Rd, Portage, WI 53901.            

The family would like to thank the staff at Our House and St. Croix Hospice for their care and support.