09,
1945
01,
2025
Renee A. Ramsdell, 80, of Madison, died July 1, 2025 at Hattie's Glen Memory Care of natural causes as a result of her 17 year battle with Parkinson's Disease.
Renee was born Renee Arlys Waller to Winfred W. "Windy" Waller and Irene A. Waller nee Nelson on January 9, 1945 in Whitehall, WI. Renee's dad had been drafted into the Army in 1944 and was assigned to the Pacific Theater at the time of Renee's birth. Her dad was part of the invasion force in the taking of Okinawa and after D-J Day, was stationed in Korea so she didn't meet her dad until sometime in 1946.
Renee grew up on the family farm in Trempealeau County, equidistant from Galesville, Ettrick and Melrose. She attended a one-room school in the Town of Gale through the 8th grade, then attended Gale-Ettrick High school graduating 3rd in her class in 1963. She attended Wisconsin State University at Eau Claire where she met her future husband and graduated with an education degree in English and French in 1967.
She married Robert A. "Bob" Ramsdell on July 1, 1967 at the Hardie's Creek Lutheran Church and they moved to Madison where Renee was employed at the Department of Industry and Human Relations and Bob attended UW-Law School. Bob left law school after his 3rd semester to fulfill his military obligation in the US Navy. They were stationed in Norfolk, VA and San Diego, returning to Madison in January 1973. While in the Navy, Robert "Windy" and Leah were born.
Renee was a member and eventual president of the WI Chapter of the Society for Autistic Children during 1970's and 1980's. She returned to school at UW-Madison for a Master's degree in Special Education granted to her in 1989. Renee taught Special Education in the Madison schools for 20 years, retiring in 2008.
She was also a fine musician. She played piano, organ, and alto saxophone. She was the organist at Hardie's Creek Lutheran Church while in high school and accompanied many of her schoolmates in the solo and ensemble festivals.
Renee is survived by her husband of 58 years, Bob; her children, Robert Winfred "Windy" Ramsdell, Leah Renee Ramsdell (Josh Heitzman) and Nathan Thomas Ramsdell (Samantha Sweeny); granddaughter, Tessa Renee Ramsdell; grandson, Nolan Thomas Ramsdell; as well as Renee's brothers, Ronald Winfred Waller and Jeffrey Louis Waller. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Mary Waller Bendel.
Simply said, Renee was one of the kindest, gentlest and honest persons ever born.
A celebration of Renee's life will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with arrivals starting at 1:00 PM and a secular service of not more than one hour commencing at 2:00 PM. Casual attire is appropriate.
In lieu of flowers, please make your donations to the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434
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