Jerry Ramaker Obituary

Jerry Ramaker passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, at Cascade Creek Memory Care in Rochester. The terrific staff cared for Jerry during his struggle with dementia. He was 95 years old.

Born in Preston Minnesota in May of 1930, Jerry was followed 10 minutes later by his twin brother, Joe. Six years after that the third son, Jim, completed the family. Jerry and his brothers grew up on the family farm and graduated from Preston High School. All three boys were gifted with beautiful tenor voices and enjoyed a lifetime of performing at many church and civic events. After high school, Jerry attended Dunwoody Institute to study commercial baking. His career was spent in food service, from managing large college feeding programs to owning his own restaurant, "JRs" in Chatfield.

In retirement he and his wife Sylvia bred and showed miniature horses from their farm in Haverhill Township. Entering shows across the country, they won many contests and enjoyed friends and events in the American Miniature Horse Association. His stallion, "Sheep Meadow Wiz" twice earned Reserve National Champion in Texas. The Ramaker line is still known in the miniature horse world.

Jerry married Geraldine Krause in 1949, and they had three daughters, Cynthia, Carli, and Sara. A second marriage to Sylvia Steiger Petersson added Sylvia's three children to the family, Lisa, Eric, and Marta. The extended family of 6 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Frances Ramaker, his brother Joe, and stepchildren Eric and Marta.

A Memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Refreshments to follow. Inurnment will be in the Bethel Lutheran Church Columbarium.

Monetary gifts will be given to Mayo Hospice in appreciation of their kind attention and service given to the entire family.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Ramaker family.