Visitation: Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-8 p.m., family present 6-8 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.
Service: Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 22 at Canton Lutheran Church.
Arthur “Art” Ramse, age 99, died Saturday, June 18, 2016 at Dow Rummel Village. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 22 at Canton Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-8 p.m., family present 6-8 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.
Art was born April 8, 1917 on a farm near Lennox to Boref and Berget (Gustafson) Ramse. He attended Hill District # 82 Country School near Worthing, SD. At an early age he began farming with his father.
Art was united in marriage to Opal Stengel November 15, 1941 in Canton, SD. Shortly after they were married, the couple moved to Ohio where Art contributed to the war effort by repairing and riveting damaged airplanes. They farmed and raised livestock east of Lennox and later on their farm west of Canton. Art retired at age 62. Art raised purebred Chester Whites, and enjoyed showing his hogs at the Sioux Empire Fair. He was a founding member and former president of the South Dakota Pork Producers Council. He was instrumental in establishing the Porcine Burn Fund in 1977. The Ramses’ were named Sioux Empire Farm Family of the year in 1982. His interest in old-time fiddlers, led him to a hobby of building 50 violins and repair of many others. He was a member of Canton Lutheran Church and Sons of Norway. He also enjoyed square dancing, golfing, and reflexology.
He is survived by his children- Verlyn (Rhonda) of Sioux Falls, Arlys Sanderson of Sioux Falls, and Loren (Patti) of Canton; grandchildren, Becky (Keith) Behl, Melanie (Andrew) Linnaus, Greg Ramse, Todd (Wendy) Ramse, Aaron (Allison) Sanderson,; great-grand children, Jessica & Katie Ramse, Tegan & Brinly Sanderson, Briella, Kieran, and Kaylee Behl, and Allison, Natalie, and Emily Linnaus; great-great grandchild, Makenna Ramse; a brother, Wilfred Ramse of Michigan; and a sister, Melba Johnson of Sioux Falls along with numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Opal, and a sister, Alma Johnson.
Verlyn and Ronda; So sorry to hear of Art’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Will be at visitation tomorrow eve., but not sure about funeral on Wed., will try to be there.
I pray that your faith and trust in our Savior, Jesus Christ, will comfort and support you during this most difficult time. God Bless you. Ken and Barb
Condolences to Art’s family. He will certainly be missed.
I have one of Art’s violins. I play it often and have thought of him while playing it. I first met Art and Opal at the fiddle contest in Yankton. He loved fiddle music, and he also knew many of the long time fiddlers at the contest. I enjoyed visiting him when I dropped off or picked up a fiddle that needed repair.
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear that your sweet Dad has passed away. I worked for your Dad when he lived at Dow Rummel Assisted Living. He was such a kind and gentle man that could easily put a smile on your face! He will be missed.
During this time of loss, we at AseraCare Hospice, would like to extend our condolences to you and your family. The nurses and staff at AseraCare thank you for the privilege of being able to serve you during these difficult times. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
– The AseraCare Hospice Team
Arthur was my great uncle, his brother Wilfred is my grandfather. Growing up in Michigan I did not get the opportunity to know Arthur, but my grandfather (and grandmother) always spoke of him fondly. I was able to visit him in the fall of 2002 and he was very proud to show my sister and I his workshop and the violins he was working on at the time. Every time I see a violin I remember that visit. All the best to the family, feel free to contact me at ericramse (at) gmail.com
My sincere sympathies during this time of loss. I just wanted to say that I purchased one of Art’s violins in 2010 and have been playing it often with various music groups in Pierre, SD. I haven’t seen Art since the Yankton fiddle contest in 2010, but I plan to return there this year with my wife. Art was such a kind person and I know he’s happy in heaven and waiting for the rest of us to join him some day. As for the fiddle he made me, one of my friend’s said it has a hauntingly beautiful-mournful type sound to it. It’s brought me lots of enjoyment. Sincerely, Steve Van Mullem