Russell E. Ramberg

Russell Eugene Ramberg passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at his home in the early hours of Christmas morning, 2022. He spent a wonderful Christmas Eve with family, enjoying everyone’s company, holding his newest great-grandchildren, and visiting with everyone in the chaos that is the Ramberg clan.

Russ was the youngest of his family of 13 and the first to be born in a hospital to Henry and Julia Ramberg. He was born on November 13, 1945 (lucky 13!) in the Rush City Hospital. There was a 21-year span in ages of Russ’s siblings. Even with this large age difference in the children, the family was always close and many stories have been passed along about Sunday gatherings at the Farm. Russ’s parents passed away in the early 80’s, but his siblings have remained important in his life over the years. The passing of each of his brothers and sisters has been difficult for Russ, and the loss of Betty and Donna and his brother Lyle in the past 2 months has been particularly heartbreaking. 

Russ graduated from North Branch High School in 1963. He earned the nickname “Cousy” during his years of high school basketball. Shortly after graduation, Russ started his career at AT&T in Wyoming as a Communications Technician. He was proudly able to retire from his career there at the age of 54 in July of 1999.  He always enjoyed getting together with his former co-workers for monthly breakfasts. During the early years of his employment at AT&T, Russ was also a member of the Army Reserves. He recently received his 50-year membership pin from the North Branch American Legion Post 85. Although Russ was very proud of this honor, he could not have been more proud of his youngest grandson Dalton, currently serving in the United States Navy.

Russ met the love of his life, Judy Boeck, at Lakeside Dancehall in 1966. He and Judy married on April 15, 1967 (tax day so he could always remember their anniversary!) Their love of dancing continued for many years into their marriage so we can only assume that they learned to Fox Trot on the floors of Lakeside. Three children were born to Russ and Jude, Troy in September of 1967, Tracy in February of 1969 and Todd in March of 1970.  

Over the years, Russ and Jude’s home was a place for gathering and sharing a drink or two. Many a Mid-Summer parade party, Labor Day picnic, or a random impromptu gathering was held at their home in downtown North Branch. Family and friends alike would join in at events around the kitchen table, on the patio or in the garage. Russ loved to bowl and spent time at JJ’s Bowl in North Branch and even had the elusive perfect 300 game (although not in League play!) In the fall of 1992, Russ suffered a devastating fall from a ladder at their home in North Branch, shattering several bones in both feet. Never one to complain or feel too sorry for himself, he was up walking in a few short months and was true to his word when he was able to dance at Troy’s wedding in the summer of 1993.

In 2000, Russ and Jude purchased a trailer on a campground in Longville (better known as the “Trabin”). They spent many happy hours with Lyle and Carol and other campground neighbors over their 18 years in Longville. The grandchildren each spent a week each summer up north with Grandpa and Grandma. Russ enjoyed his time in the sun in northern Minnesota, tinkering on projects at the Trabin.  

After some health issues for Russ, we convinced him to move into a townhouse in 2014. While Jude was ready for less home responsibility, Russ always let us know that he still missed his home of 40+ years on 8th Avenue. That move turned out to be a blessing in disguise after continued health issues and Russ’s leg amputation in 2018. Always brave and stoic, Russ faced all of his health struggles with resilience and humor. Some of our funniest family stories in recent years have been sharing Russ’s hospital antics with him over an afternoon visit, a holiday gathering, or a lunch at The Ole Brick Inn.  

Russ loved doing Crossword and Sudoku puzzles as well as watching many TV game shows. He was a lifetime Minnesota Vikings fan and we marveled that his heart survived many of their games this year. He spent years enjoying his kids and grandkids’ sporting events and dance recitals was always willing to share his thoughts/advice with them or with any unsuspecting referee. His biggest joy in life has been his family and we are all blessed to have been a part of his life and legacy.  

Russ is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judy Ramberg; children Troy (Shelly) Ramberg, Tracy (Andy) Kress, Todd Ramberg; grandchildren Reid (Kayla) Peterson, Mason  (Bethany) Ramberg, Payton Ramberg (Grant), Nick Kress (Teressa), Dalton Ramberg, Allison Kress; great-grandchildren Madyn, Nolan and Raegan Peterson, Alayna and Theodore Ramberg; sister Katherine Anderson; sisters-in-law Sharon Ramberg, Carol Ramberg; brother-in-law Duane Boeck (Mary); Godchildren Erin Kindem and Vincent “Beaner” Krysinski; as well as many nephews, nieces and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Julia Ramberg; father and mother-in-law Kenneth and Alice Boeck; siblings Allen (Mary) Ramberg, Violet (Howard) Lueth, Carroll (Muriel) Ramberg, Donald (Marilyn) Ramberg, Joyce (Johnnie) Anderson, Betty (Albert) Krysinski, Donna (Don) Lind, Jon Ramberg, Gladys (Keith) Falk, Lyle Ramberg, Marvin Ramberg; brothers-in-law Lance Corporal Gary Boeck, Loren Anderson.

Pastor Greg Wilcox will officiate at a memorial service for Russ: 11 AM; Saturday, January 14, 2023 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch where Russ was a member. A time for family and friends to gather is planned for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel.
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com