Obituary

Clarence Stanley “BUD” Ramsland

Bud passed away peacefully to be at home with his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the age of ninety-one. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sharon; his three children, Eric (Kelly) Ramsland, Brian (Sue) Ramsland, and Karen (Tom) Granitz; nine grandchildren, Kelsey (Matt), Alyssa (Austin), Michael, Jeremy (Lindy), Meg (Alex), Mackenzie, Paige (Jeff), Emily, and Matthew (Kali); and eight great-grandchildren. Bud was born in Brooklyn, New York, and was preceded in death by his parents, Arne and Ella, who both immigrated to the United States from Norway in the early 1920s, as well as his sisters, Alice Berg and Eleanor Crawford.

Bud spent his early years in New York and New Jersey before eventually moving to raise his family in the Chicago area. After retiring, he relocated to Wisconsin. Bud was a proud veteran who enlisted in the Army in the early 1950s to serve his country. For the past five years, he and Sharon resided at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Home in Rockford, IL.

A lifelong member of the Evangelical Free Church, Bud served in many church ministries. His faith was especially meaningful to him after his father passed away when he was just nine years old. The men in his church and the Norwegian community stepped up to support him, a kindness he never forgot. Through difficult times, he leaned on his faith, often saying, "The Lord will provide." Bud's unwavering Christian faith served as an example to many, and he remained loyal to friends from his childhood, staying in touch for over 80 years.

Bud worked as a building supply salesman and had a love for carpentry, always taking on projects and helping others with repairs. Known for keeping his tools in the trunk, he was always ready to lend a hand. He was a member of The Sons of Norway and led the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas shoebox drive, often collecting the highest number of boxes in Wisconsin. Bud was deeply dedicated to serving others.

To us, he was simply "Grandpa Bud," and he called his children and grandchildren regularly. He leaves behind a legacy cherished by those who knew and loved him.

Matthew 25:21: "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things…"

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Olson North Main Chapel, 2811 N. Main St., Rockford. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Bud Ramsland Memorial Scholarship at zoehopeglobal.com/scholarship/ . These funds will be used for Evangelical needs on their medical mission trips. To share a memory or condolence please visit olsonfh.com