Richard Edward Ramsey, age 76, passed away on Thursday, January 24, 2019 in Sun Prairie, WI. He was born on February 28, 1942, in the Lake View Hotel downtown Madison, to Arthur and Esther (Luther) Ramsey. He was the youngest of four siblings: Virginia, Bill, and Betty. Richard was born just three months after Pearl Harbor, with the war efforts sharply shaping the childhood he spent in downtown Madison. His favorite childhood memory was of “his swimming hole” and fishing by the Henry Villas Zoo.
Richard worked as a Chef for Crandall's Restaurant for 30 years. He also owned his own diner, Esther's Café on Main Street downtown Sun Prairie. Richard served many regular customers who became like family to him. After his time in the restaurant industry, he worked for Famous Fixtures in Sun Prairie, where he retired in 2004.
After retirement, Richard enjoyed cooking, yard work, garage sales, collecting tools, and tinkering on projects in his shed. Richard had a gift for all things mechanical. His love of guns and target practice lead him to become a member of the Stoughton Conservation Club Shooting Range. He also volunteered as a Crossing Guard for the Marshall School District.
Richard was soft spoken, with a quick wit, and a dry sense of humor which he carried with him until his passing. He is survived by his pride and joy, son Nick Ramsey, and his beloved daughter in law, Jen Ramsey. Nick and Jen cared for Richard with the support of Agrace Hospice Care, allowing him to live independently. Richard passed away peacefully in Jen's arms, in his home, on Thursday morning.
On Thursday, January 31, 2019 a visitation will be held from 12:30pm until the time of Service at 1:30pm at Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home, 302 Columbus Street in Sun Prairie. Internment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens, 3054 County Road BB (Cottage Grove Road) in Madison. Nick and Jen will host a Celebration of Life that afternoon.
Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral & Cremation
Sun Prairie, WI 608-837-5400
www.newcomerfh.com