John W. Ramler
John Warren Ramler, 77, of Downers Grove. Beloved husband of Jeanne. Loving father of Kent (Joy), Nathan, Brad (Jennifer), Steven and Jared. Cherished grandfather of Ruth, Jonathan, Rose, David, Tom, Jay, Bryce, Brayden, Avery, Brecken, Price, Cason, Wells, Julia and Dahlia, and great-grandfather of 3. Dear brother of Barbara (Steven) King and the late Richard (Peggy). Fond uncle of many.
John grew up in Elmhurst, Illinois. As part of the first wave of the Baby Boomer Generation, his early years were full of post-War changes in a society that saw rapid economic, technological, and medical advances. He became a Polio Pioneer, receiving the first doses of the polio vaccine. He graduated from York High School, where he set the school record as a low-hurdler under famed coach, Joe Newton. He graduated from Indiana University (’68), where he became a life-long Hoosier’s fan, and later earned his M.B.A from the University of Chicago (’89).
While teaching high school in 1970, he was drafted into the Army and served in the Vietnam War, where he earned the Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medals. After returning to the States, he entered the business world and built a successful career in global marketing and sales. He served as an executive for several companies over the years, finally retiring in 2018. John loved to travel, and between work and leisure, he traveled to 46 countries across 5 continents.
John’s faith was important to him. He and his wife, Jeanne, joined Marquette Manor Baptist Church in Downers Grove, in March 1975, where he taught Sunday School and served as a deacon for over 40 years. He had a unique way of making everyone he met feel special and loved. He also served on the board of the Camp Joy Foundation in Wisconsin and the Fairview Baptist Village of Downers Grove.
Family was also very important to him, and he always made them his top priority. John and Jeanne were married for 55 years. He loved to take family vacations out West and visit the National Parks. He shared his love of fishing and camping with his children and grandchildren, rarely missed one of their sporting events, and attended every graduation and wedding.
John was a life-long Cubs fan and passed this loyalty to his sons and grandchildren.
Visitation 5 to 9pm Monday, July 24, 2023 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301-75th Street, Downers Grove, Illinois 60516. Will lie in state from 9:30am until Funeral Service 10:30am Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Marquette Manor Baptist Church, 333-75th Street, Downers Grove, Illinois 60516. Interment 10:30 a.m. Wednesday July 26, 2023 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. Funeral home phone 630/964-6500
John W, Ramler, faithful servant of God. I had the pleasure and honor of serving God for 25 years as a member and deacon at Marquette Manor Baptist Church. along side of John.. As Chairman of the deacon Board, John’s leadership was highlighted by his love, patience, and commitment to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. He was a kind and gentle man who, in all of my years of knowing him, never raised his voice in anger against anyone. He was indeed a man of peace. The measure of success of a man is not measured by wealth and luxurious lifestyle. The measure of a man’s success is measured buy the character of his family that was developed over years of his parental leadership. If a man is not successful at home, though he be the richest man in material wealth, he is not successful.. John Ramler was truly a successful man. His wife and family are a living expression of that success.. John’s legacy is his family.
John was a wonderful friend and a devoted Christian. My wife Christina and I were privileged to have spent many valuable hours in his Sunday School classes as new Christians. Until my work schedule interfered I was fortunately able to spend many Saturday mornings with John and the Marquette Manor Men’s Prayer Team. I was also blessed to have been able to accompany John and Jim Huizinga on two trips out West to Montana and then to his Mom and Dad’s cabin near Rocky Mountain NP in Colorado. On the first trip to Montana John, led by the Holy Spirit, helped lead my brother Mike to Christ. John was a devoted brother in Christ and I will miss his firm yet humble guidance.