Marvin Ramstad, 89, father of congressman, judge dies

Obituary: Marvin Ramstad, father of two politicians.

By MARY LYNN SMITH, Star Tribune

Last update: July 2, 2009 - 7:27 AM

Marvin Ramstad, father of former U.S. congressman Jim Ramstad and Minnesota Tax Court Judge Sheryl Ramstad, died of respiratory failure Wednesday at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. He was 89.

Ramstad, former president and CEO of Midwest Motors in Jamestown, N.D., had lived in Plymouth since retiring in 1984. He was active in the political campaigns of both his son and daughter.

"He was a rugged individualist with a heart of gold," Jim Ramstad said Tuesday. "He was a man of great strength, both physically and mentally. He taught my sister and me the values of hard work, patriotism and public service. He personified the Greatest Generation."

Born one of six children, Marvin Ramstad grew up on a farm in Beach, N.D., and developed a strong work ethic, Jim Ramstad said.

To earn money for college, he panned gold in the Yukon in Alaska with his brothers. He graduated in 1943 from Pacific Lutheran College, now Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash., where he lettered in football.

"He not only was a great athlete but he loved sports," Jim Ramstad said. "Nothing brought him more joy, aside from his family, than the Minnesota Twins, Vikings and Gophers."

After serving in the Navy during World War II, Marvin Ramstad married and went to work in his father-in-law's car dealership in Jamestown. He worked his way up from the parts department to president, taking over the dealership from his father-in-law in 1968.

In addition to his son and daughter, he is survived by a brother, A. William of Seattle, and five grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the David Lee Funeral Home in Wayzata. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Wayzata Community Church, 125 E. Wayzata Blvd.

Mary Lynn Smith • 612-673-4788

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