Obituaries : Harold Rammelsberg

Harold R. Rammelsberg

Harold R. Rammelsberg, 88, died Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at West Ridge Care Center in Cedar Rapids following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Atkins, with the Rev. Douglas Woltemath officiating. Interment will be held at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Cemetery near Atkins, with graveside military rites conducted by Adolph H. Schueler American Legion Post 217 of Atkins and Iowa Military Honors. The visitation also will be held at the church in Atkins from 4 to 7 p.m. today.

Harold was born Sept. 25, 1923, near Atkins, to Roy C. and Ruth (Mohr) Rammelsberg. He attended Fremont No. 7, St. Stephen’s Lutheran School and graduated from the Atkins High School. From 1944 to 1946, he served his nation in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of Adolph H. Schueler American Legion Post 217 in Atkins for over 60 years.

On Sept. 3, 1950, he was united in marriage to Kathleen Kahler in Cedar Rapids. Kathleen preceded him in death on April 30, 1990. He married Hazel Wahl on May 15, 1993, in Cedar Rapids.

A lifelong member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Atkins, where he was baptized and confirmed, Harold served as trustee for three years, elder for eight years and treasurer for 12 years. He taught Sunday school several years and was a member of the choir and Fellowship Club.

On Feb. 2, 1948, Harold was appointed Postmaster in Atkins and he retired Nov. 3, 1978. He was a 30-year member of Linn-Benton Postmasters Association. He was a director of the Atkins Telephone Co. in 1950 and served as treasurer for 43 years and as secretary for 13 years. He was among the first promoters of conversion to the “dial”system.

He was a member of the Atkins Volunteer Fire Department, serving as captain for seven years, as assistant chief for five years and chief for 17 years. He was a longtime member of the Benton County Fireman’s Association and the Iowa Fireman’s Association. Harold helped to promote the formation of Benton No. 3-Linn No. 5 Fire District and developing and coordinating the “rural address” for Benton County. He had received the Governor of Iowa Award as Outstanding Volunteer.

For 12 years he served as secretary for the Atkins Consolidated school system. He was a member of the Benton County Disaster Services, member and secretary of the Benton County Civil Service board, and member of the Atkins Commercial/Community Club.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel of Cedar Rapids; his son, Brian (Jeanne) Rammelsberg of Atkins; his daughter, Sarah Rammelsberg of Waukegan, Ill.; his grandsons, Daniel and wife Melissa, Michael, and Matthew Rammelsberg; his great-granddaughter, Madison Rammelsberg; his brother, Victor Rammelsberg of Shelbyville, Ind.; and his sister, Lois Bienlien of Davenport.

In addition to his parents and first wife, Kathleen, he was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to West Ridge Care Center, Evergreen Estates III, and hospice for the wonderful care extended to Harold.

Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is in charge of arrangements.

A memorial fund has been established.

Condolences may be left at: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com