Carl A Ramroth, 74, of Grand Rapids passed April 28, 2020, after courageously meeting the challenges of Parkinson’s for over 28 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Irma Ramroth; and brother, Edward Ramroth. Carl is survived by his wife of over 47 years, Kay (Chase) Ramroth; daughters, Sarah (Andy) Hector of Grandville, and Susan Remar of Lowell; brother, William (Ann) Ramroth of Livonia; sister, Linda (Mike) Whitney formerly of Mayville; sister-in-law, Ann of Longwood, Florida; and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was born in Detroit, on April 10, 1946 and attended Macomb Community College before serving in the US Army as Sergeant E5 in Vietnam. Carl graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in business. He and Kay raised their family in Lansing where he worked as a Policy Manager for the State of Michigan, Medicaid Services Administration, retiring in 1997. Carl was well-liked by coworkers and neighbors, easily making many lifetime friends. He especially enjoyed being with family and friends in Ludington, particularly boating on Hamlin Lake. He and Kay also spent many years in Leesburg, Florida during the winter months. O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home is handling arrangements including a memorial service at a later date. If desired, memorial donations may be made to The Michael J Fox Foundation, https://www.michaeljfox.org/ where their focus is on Parkinson’s research.
14 Responses
Dear Kay and the entire Ramroth family: I am saddened that we’ve lost Carl, but I have so many wonderful memories from those work days at the Michigan Medicaid agency, of his always-upbeat personality, reputation as an awesome manager, and of course love of life and always ready to have a good time. He was blessed to have such a loving family willing to go to the end of the earth in your supreme efforts to help him deal with his health issues. I hope the memories you all share will bring all of you some comfort.
Dear Kay and Family,
Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences for Carl having passed our way. The love that the two of you shared with family and friends help to brighten many of our days. Carl communicated by his presence and kind words that every minute of every day is to cherished and if possible shared with another human. Carl’s connection with people whether young or aging and whether a lifelong friendship or a passing one, he was a soulful “balm from Gilead”.
I pray that you and your family will find strength for your grief in the embrace of faith, family, and friends.
Love Uncle Carl. I still have the Steve Miller Band CD he let me burn when he came for the graduation party. He introduced me to some great music when I was just starting to get into classic rock during high school. Love you
Dear Kay and Family,
Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences for Carl having passed our way. Carl communicated by his presence and kind words that every minute of every day is to be cherished and if possible shared with another human.
I pray that you and your family will find strength for your grief in the embrace of faith, family, and friends.
Kay, Sarah & Susan – Carl will forever be remembered as a great person, admired by all. Our years at MSA with Carl were the best. Kay – you have supported and loved Carl through the years with such patience and caring that most would not be capable of – you are the reason I am sure that his life extended over the years. May you all hold the wonderful memories you have in your hearts and know that we are all better people for having had Carl in our lives. Our sincere condolences at your time of grief.
Dear Kay, Sarah, Susan and Family,
We were blessed from the first moment Carl introduced himself as our neighbor in Tamarac. Not only was he the very first person we met, but became our very first dear friend. We continue to smile at the memories of him riding his wave runner and pontoon; playing the MSU fight song when they won so it was heard throughout our entire channel; and sitting in their swing watching Kay work in her flower beds. The picture displayed here is so perfect of him: the infectious smile and his MSU jacket. The love he and Kay had was inspirational to all. They never complained, but instead looked for ways to help others. My husband and I are the recipients of their love and kindness to this very day. We feel extreme loss, but are comforted to know he is now free from the limitations he had for so many years. Our love and prayers are with you all.
Kay and family, I know we didn’t know you well but are very sorry for your loss. Take one day at a time and big hugs to you all.
Kay and Family, Lee and I are saddened by the loss of your beloved Husband and Father. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Kay and Family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you. May God watch over you during this difficult time and bring you peace. Remember the many happy memories you have with Carl. God bless you and your family.
Kay and family,
We are sorry for your loss. May God be with you and your family at this difficult time. You will be in our thoughts and our hearts.
Warmest thoughts and prayers for you, Kay, and the entire family. Carl was a treasured colleague and friend, beloved by all who knew and worked with him. We are saddened by his passing, just as we are gladdened by our memories — just thinking of him now I can see his smile. We wish God’s comfort and blessings to you.
I’ll always remember growing up and visiting with the Ramroth family in Ludington. Carl was always happy to have us. I always felt welcome and his joy for boating, going to the dunes, and just enjoying life was infectious. Thank you Carl.
Kay and Family,
My deepest condolence for your loss of Carl. In my many years working with Carl at the Michigan Medicaid program, he was such a good coworker. Serious about the job, civil and enjoyable to work with, striving to do the job right. and always just pleasant to be around. Above all, Carl was a good person.
Cherish your memories of Carl. Best wishes to all of you.
Bill Keller
Dear Kay, Sarah and Susan,
I am so deeply saddened by the news of Carl’s passing. I have such fond memories of him and your family. Growing up on Clifton, your family was like my second family and I enjoyed all of our time together. Our trips to Ludington were some of the best times of my youth. The warmth and togetherness of your family brings a smile to my face, even today, over 20 years later. My heart and thoughts are with you during this time of grieving. Please know that you are not alone in remembering a wonderful man that meant so much to many.