Duane Francis Ramker

Duane F. Ramker, 71, of Osage, died October 10, 2024 at Faith Lutheran Home in Osage. Duane Francis Ramker was born to Gerald and Mary Jean (Meek) Ramker on October 4th, 1953, in Charles City. He was raised on old Hwy 18 on the farm east of Rudd. Duane graduated from Rockford Senior High School in 1971, then continued his education at NIACC. Soon after, he graduated from Iowa State with a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduating from ISU, Duane came home to farm with his dad and shortly after met the love of his life, Bev Laubenthal. The two were united in marriage on July 22nd, 1978. Following marriage, they resided on the family farm north of Rudd for 30 years where they raised their four children. In 2007, Bev and Duane built a new home in Osage and moved off the farm. During those 30 years on the farm, Duane farrowed and raised thousands of hogs, while growing corn and soybeans. He was a man of many skills which included building several new homes. Duane had many interests which included farming and all types of racing. Whether it was watching sprint cars, stock cars, modified cars, or even taking his sons to race go-carts every Sunday, you could always find Duane at the racetrack. His greatest joy in life was his children and grandchildren. Duane had a busy schedule trying to attend his 10 grandchildren’s activities. You could always find him at a wrestling meet, band concert, piano recital, volleyball game, or any vocal concert. In 2011, Duane lost Bev after a battle with cancer. He filled his time in years to follow traveling to state parks, attending live concerts, driving UTVs, and riding his motorcycle. Duane won a variety of awards with his custom-made chopper trike. Duane is survived by his children Janet (Lynn) Rinken of Greene, Melinda (Brett) Darrow of Osage, Jared (Sara) Ramker of Osage, Daniel (Hillary) Ramker of Rudd; grandchildren, Haley, Garret, Jayden Rinken, Dace, Tess, Kate Darrow, Jamie, Blake Ramker, and Clara, Elaina Ramker; siblings, Marge Wasicek of Mason City, Tom (Diane) Ramker of Greene, Linda Posekany of Sheffield; brother in law, Vern (Kris) Laubenthal of Wesley; and special friend Pam Dight. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bev; his parents Gerald and Mary Jean Ramker; his mother and father-in-law, Marguerite and Maurice Laubenthal; his brother, Keith Ramker; and nephew, David Wasicek. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage.. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 14, 2023, at Sacred Heart Church in Osage. The burial will take place at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Greene, IA at 1:30 p.m. Champion Funeral Home of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.schroederfuneralhomes.com.