Christopher Ramaekers

Christopher A. “Chris” Ramaekers, age 60, born March 15, 1965, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Elmer Salvester Ramaekers and Jeanette Catherine (Miller) Ramaekers, passed peacefully in his home on Sunday, September 14th.

Chris grew up on a farm outside of Hardy with his seven siblings, where they raised dairy cows and hogs. A true Iowa farm boy, he spent his days walking beans, tending cattle, and exploring 100 acres of timber hunting, fishing, and horsing around with his siblings and friends. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church and graduated from Humboldt High School with the Class of 1983. He especially loved his outdoor education class and was an active member of the local FFA chapter.

He worked briefly at Hadar Manufacturing before beginning a 38-year career in the parts department at KC Nielsen, where he became a well-known and trusted face as parts manager. Chris was the one who greeted farmers at the parts counter, always ready to lend a hand when someone needed help with their John Deere.

On April 4, 1992, Chris married the love of his life, Marlarea Elizabeth (Pollock) Ramaekers, at the Botanical Garden in Des Moines, Iowa. Together, they raised four wonderful children and built countless memories camping, fishing, hiking, and spending time outdoors. Chris was especially known for his love of Christmas—decorating was a whole weekend event, and he and Marla became fondly known as “Mr. and Mrs. Christmas,” later “Mr. and Mrs. Claus.”

Chris loved telling his famously awful dad jokes and would call anyone who would listen just to make them laugh. Have you ever heard of the three-legged chicken joke? Just ask one of his grandkids. He adored his twelve grandchildren and is now joyfully reunited in heaven with the three grandchildren who were waiting for him. In 2016, Chris gave his life to the Lord and was baptized at Oak Hill Church alongside Marla. His faith and servant’s heart touched countless lives along the way.

Chris will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Salvester Ramaekers; his mother, Jeanette Catherine (Miller) Ramaekers; and his sister, Myrna (Ramaekers) Lansdown.

He is survived by his wife, Marla Ramaekers; his children, Whitney (Montana) Jones of Moore, Oklahoma, Caleb (Audrey) Hockel of Honey Creek, Iowa, Olivia (Jordan) Renken of Humboldt, Iowa, and Morgan (Brandon) Myers of Humboldt Iowa; and his beloved grandchildren, Brooklynn and Caleb Jones; Gabrielle, Dimitri, Alice, Anselm, Liesl, and Pia Hockel; Emma and Oliver Renken; and Kyson and Lainey Myers. He is also survived by his siblings, Barry (Robin) Ramaeker, Bruce (Lois) Ramaeker, Elaine (Mark) Schultz, Mary (Bob) George, Judy (John) Deimel, and Brad (Cindy) Ramaeker.

Visitation will be held at Oak Hill Church on Friday, September 19, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20th at Oak Hill Church, Humboldt. The Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service of Humboldt is in charge of the arrangements. www.masonlindhart.com