Final Salute

CREVE COEUR – Melvin D. Ramige, 90, of Creve Coeur, where he resided his entire life, died at 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at Timbercreek in Pekin.

Born Nov. 22, 1934, in Peoria, to Melvin E. and Emily (Hodgkinson) Ramige, he was married to Rosemary A. Hoppe on Feb. 3, 1956, in Peoria. She went to be with Jesus on Feb. 17, 2017.

Surviving are four children, Michael D. of East Peoria, Mark D. (Jill) of Charlotte, NC, Mitchell D. of Creve Coeur and Marta Brewington of Braselton, GA; four grandchildren, Mark Ramige Jr., Melisa Ramige, Derek Brewington and Brent (Emma Brown-Bernstein) Brewington; and five great-grandchildren, Westley Ramige, Luna Brewington, Paloma Brewington, Rubi Ramige and Jack Brewington.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; one infant son, Matthew; one brother, John of Creve Coeur; and one sister, Ann Weaver of Hanna City.

Mel retired from Komatsu Dresser Co. as Chief Engineer, Mechanical Drive Trucks after 32 ½ years. He was a member of the Retired Employees Club of Komatsu Dresser.

He was a former Cubmaster of Pack 42, Creve Coeur, a coach in Little League, a Charter Member of the Fort Creve Coeur Board, and its first Treasurer, and a former member and President of the Creve Coeur School Board. He served on the Creve Coeur Zoning Board of Appeals.

Mel served in the Navy Seabee Reserves for 31 ½ years, attaining the rank of CWO4. He was the National Secretary of the Navy Seabee Veterans of America, (Navy SVA), Secretary of the Navy SVA Department of Illinois, and Secretary of Navy SVA Island X-4, Peoria. He was a Life Member of the Navy SVA, CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation, National Chief Petty Officers Association, and the National Rifle Association. He was a plank owner of the United States Navy Memorial Association, where a commemorative plaque is dedicated to honor his 26 years as National Secretary of the Navy Seabee Veterans of America.

Mel was a life-long member of Grace Presbyterian Church, where he was an Usher, the Treasurer of the FTF Sunday School Class, and a member of the Monday Morning Work Crew at the church.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 16, 2025, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. Pastor John Hopwood will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral Monday at the church. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur.

Memorials may be made to the Grace Presbyterian Church, 8607 Illinois Route 91, Peoria, IL 61615.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.
Article Name:Melvin Ramige
Publication:Journal Star
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