KING, Wis. - Dennis L. "Blackie" Ramme, 66, a native of Ironwood, Mich., died Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King, where he had resided for the past several years.
He was born in Ironwood on July 19, 1949, son of the late Floyd and Marion (Chouinard) Ramme, and attended school in Bessemer, Mich. He then was drafted into the U.S. Army on Oct. 3, 1968, serving his country proudly as a combat infantryman in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged as a Specialist 4 on Oct. 2, 1970. While in the service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Devices, and two Overseas Bars. Following his discharge, he returned to Ironwood and was employed at Ramme's Auto Salvage for many years.
Dennis was a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 529, Hurley, Wis., Iron County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1580 and a former member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Ironwood. He was a good brother and uncle and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Surviving are a daughter, Melissa Colassaco, Montreal; three grandchildren; brother, David Ramme, Ironwood; sister, Donna Ramme, Merrill; sister-in-law, Jane Ramme, Ironwood; nephews, Dave Ramme, Hurley, and Jeff (Monica) Ramme, Ironwood; other nieces and nephews; and very close friend, Bob Morzenti, Montreal.
Besides his parents, Dennis was predeceased by a brother, Clarence "Kelly" Ramme, on Sept. 17, 2012.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, March 22, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation in the St. Joseph Family Room beginning at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Robb Jurkovich, celebrant.
Full military honors will be accorded at the church by the combined Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 529, Hurley American Legion Post 58 and Iron County VFW Post 1580 Honor Guard.
Luncheon will follow in the parish hall.
Rite of Committal and interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood, in the spring.
Pallbearers will be Dave Ramme, Jeff Ramme, Bob Morzenti, Arvid Sivula, Dave Tauer and Don Zanutto.
All memorial contributions will be given to the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Inc., Ironwood. Online condolences can be given to the family of Dennis "Blackie" Ramme at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.