John S. Ramaker

John S. Ramaker, age 88, passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at his residence in Racine, WI. John was a long time resident of Winnetka, IL. John was born in Whitefish Bay, WI, May 31, 1928, son of the late Harvey and Adeline (nee: Johnson) Ramaker and stepson of Esther (nee: Schnudes) Ramaker.

John served as Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago from 1966-1987. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Racine. John proudly served with the ROTC. An avid Packer and Badger fan, John enjoyed watching all sports. More than anything he cherished time up north with his family in Lake Arrowhead.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Joanne (nee: Grauwels, formerly wife of the late George Itzenhuiser); his children, Kathleen (Kent) Knudson of Mundelein, IL, John (Jill) Ramaker Jr. of Wilmette, IL, Susan Ramaker of Los Angeles, CA, Elizabeth (David) Vaillancourt of Boulder, CO; his 11 grandchildren: Bradley and Kevin Knudson; Joseph, Kayla, Martin and John III Ramaker; Liza and Patrick Vaillancourt; Jacie, Alex and Kailee Itzenhuiser; 2 great-grandchildren, Mia and Ava; sister, Jane Huff of Scottsdale, AZ; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Elizabeth Hurley in 1997; and brother-in-law, George “Cecil” Huff.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., Mount Pleasant, WI on Monday, October 17, 2016, 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Terry Huebner officiating. Relatives and friends may meet Monday at the church 9:00 A.M. until time of Mass. Interment will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2:30 P.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Northbrook, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church or one’s favorite charity has been suggested.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Hospice Alliance for their loving and compassionate care.