Ralph L. Ramstad

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Ramstad, Ralph L. Illustrator and WWII veteran, died surrounded by his family on June 27 at NC Little Memorial Hospice in Edina, MN. He was 93. Mr. Ramstad was born in Minneapolis on September 15, 1919 to Otto and Otilia (Ellertson) Ramstad. An artist from the time he could hold a pencil, Mr. Ramstad began his studies at the Minneapolis School of Fine Arts (now MCAD) and upon graduation from Humboldt High School in 1937, enrolled at Pratt Institute's School of Art and Design. After completing his degree in Illustration in 1941, Mr. Ramstad joined the armed forces, serving as Sergeant 1st Class and Armament Specialist in the Thirteenth Air Force deployed to the Pacific Theater. At war's end he returned to Brooklyn, NY and began illustrating books, magazines and comics, garnering a reputation as a skilled naturalist. In Minneapolis, Mr. Ramstad worked as a commercial artist for General Mills and Naegle Outdoor Advertising. In his retirement he turned again to book illustration, partnering with Lerner Publications to produce a series of biographies and history stories for children, with titles such as "The Back of Beyond, a Story of Lewis and Clark"; "Jules Verne, Science Fiction Pioneer"; and "Dian Fossey and the Mountain Gorillas". Mr. Ramstad combined two passions -- his role as a grandfather and his fascination with all art mediums -- when he embraced the computer age in his 80's. Using the latest technology, he created animated stories full of sly humor and wise-cracking woodland creatures to delight his family's newest generation of children. He married his beloved Ruth (Belton) Ramstad in 1949. She survives him, as do their children, Patricia (Garry) Buettner, Iowa City, IA; Marit Ramstad (Cynthia Yahn), Ithaca, NY; Deirdre (Jim) Lotter, Minneapolis and Palm Island, FL; Lockie (Brick) Chapman, Edina, MN; Holly (Sig) Birkeland, Minnetonka, MN; Erik Ramstad (Sherry), Minneapolis; and Roslyn (James) Hawley, Minneapolis; fourteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a brother, Philip J. Ramstad, Edina, MN. Mr. Ramstad was preceded in death by brothers, Paul E. Ramstad, Ithaca NY and Dean D. Ramstad, Medford, OR. A private memorial service will be held in August. Donations to NC Little Memorial Hospice.

Published on June 30, 2013